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RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

IDEC-CE9.1 appears to be effective in rheumatoid arthritis The PRIMATIZED* anti -CD4 monoclonal antibody IDEC-CE9.1 ** appears to be effective in rheumatoid arthritis, according to the results of a phase II study presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, held in Florida, US, in October 1996. In this study, 122 evaluable patients with active rheumatoid arthritis were randomised to receive IV IDEC-CE9.1 40,80 or 140mg, or placebo, twice weekly for 4 weeks.

Dose-dependent response The response rate to IDEC-CE9.1 therapy increased in a dose-dependent manner [see table]. A clinically significant response was defined as an improvement in the tender and swollen joint count of ~ 20%, as well as an improvement being demonstrated in 3 out of 5 other disease-related categories (according to American College of Rheumatology criteria).

The median time interval between initiating therapy and a response occurring was shortest among IDEC-CE9.1 140mg recipients. However, patients in this treatment group developed a rash necessitating discontinuation of therapy. Otherwise, therapy was generally well tolerated. - PR Newswire, http://www.newspage.com

*PRlMATlZED antibodies an! a new class ofmonoclonal anIibodks thai have been genetically engineered by IDEC Phamraceuticals using rnocgque and human components. ** IDEC, SmithKline Beecham; phase H

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