Wilmington-based Incyte Corp. and drug giant Eli Lilly and Co. reported promising results in a phase II study of a drug aimed at treating rheumatoid arthritis.
The test involves baricitinib, which is being developed by the two companies. The results were presented at the European League Against Rheumatism.
“In this clinical trial baricitinib showed statistically and clinically significant improvements in the features of this condition, which were maintained throughout a year of treatment. To date, baricitinib has demonstrated an acceptable safety profile and side effects have generally been straightforward to manage. These encouraging findings support further investigation of this new drug in rheumatoid arthritis,” said Peter Taylor of the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences at the University of Oxford.
Baricitinib is also in Phase II development as a potential treatment for psoriasis and diabetic nephropathy.
In December 2009, Lilly and Incyte announced an exclusive worldwide license and collaboration agreement for the development and commercialization of baricitinib and certain follow-on compounds for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
