NEW YORK (AP) — GlaxoSmithKline PLC and Genmab A/S will end the development of an intravenous form of a drug intended to treat autoimmune diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis, and focus on an injectable version.
The companies said an injectable version of Arzerra should be more convenient for patients and have fewer side effects. The drug can also be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Based on from a recent study of Arzerra in multiple sclerosis, GlaxoSmithKline will start a new trial of the drug in 2011. The results from that study were announced Friday. GlaxoSmithKline is solely responsible for developing the drug as a treatment for autoimmune disorders. The companies are codeveloping the drug as a treatment for cancer.
Arzerra is approved as a treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia in patients who have received at least one previous therapy. The companies are also testing it as a treatment for newly diagnosed chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and lymphoma.
