Two Phase 3 studies of an ultra-long-acting insulin, degludec, and developed by Novo Nordisk A/S, have been published in the 21 April edition of The Lancet. The data were originally disclosed at two scientific conferences in 2011.
Research published in the Lancet Oncology suggests that the use of high intensity focused ultrasound may be an alternative to surgery or radiotherapy to treat men with prostate cancer, with fewer side effects. The study involved 42 patients.
Oxford BioMedica Plc said that its gene therapy for Parkinson’s disease, ProSavin, met is primary endpoint in a Phase 1/2 study which evaluated the safety of the medicine in three ascending doses. Fifteen patients participated in the trial.
UCB SA said that a Phase 3 study of its antibody, Cimzia (certolizumab pegol), in the new indication of axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) reached its primary endpoint. Cimzia is a peglated, anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) compound.
Wilex AG has announced the start of a Phase 1b/2 trial in patients with solid tumours of its experimental drug that inhibits the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK). The study will be conducted in the UK.
UCB SA of Belgium and Amgen Inc have launched a Phase 3 trial of their jointly developed monoclonal antibody for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The antibody binds to and inhibits sclerostin, a protein secreted by bone cells.
Venture capital-backed Noxxon Pharma AG has reported new preclinical data for one of its oligonucleotide-based drugs that is being investigated for a number of oncology indications. The compound, NOX-A12, is in early clinical development.
The Roche group said that its antibody-drug conjugate drug (ADC) for metastatic breast cancer, trastuzumab emtansine, has shown positive topline data at Phase 3. Roche, and its Genentech unit, plan to make regulatory filings this year.
Eli Lilly and Company said new Phase 2 data for its antibody against psoriasis has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The antibody is currently in Phase 3 for psoriasis and under investigation for other indications, including RA.
Addex Pharmaceuticals Ltd has announced positive top-line data from a Phase 2a trial of an allosteric modulator for the treatment of levodopa-induced dyskinesia in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Full data will be disclosed at a meeting later in 2012.