(Press-News.org) Berlin, Germany, June 7 2012: A new Phase III study presented today at EULAR 2012, the Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism, shows that patients treated with certolizumab pegol (CZP) were twice as likely to meet the primary endpoint of ACR20* response at week 12 than those on placebo: 58% on CZP200mg Q2W; and 51.9% on CZP 400 mg Q4W compared to 24.3% on placebo.
This randomised, placebo controlled, 24 week period of an ongoing Phase III study of 409 patients indicated that more patients treated with both doses of CZP achieved ACR50* and ACR70* response compared to placebo (CZP 200mg Q2W: 36.2%, CZP 400mg Q4W: 32.6%, PBO: 11% for ACR50, CZP 200mg Q2W: 24.6%, CZP 400mg Q4W: 12.6%, PBO: 2.9% for ACR70). HAQ-DI** scores were also higher in the combined CZP groups at week 24. In addition patients treated with both doses of CZP also showed greater improvements in PASI 75*** than placebo (62.2% and 60.5% respectively vs 15.1%).
"We know that certolizumab is effective in rheumatoid arthritis but this is the first study to review its efficacy and safety in psoriatic arthritis," commented Dr. Mease, University of Washington, USA and lead author of the study. "Not only were the signs and symptoms of arthritis improved, but so too were patients' physical function and skin manifestations, which is a great breakthrough for us and our patients."
The study followed 409 patients with active psoriatic arthritis who had failed one or more disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) including a maximum of one anti-TNF. Patients were randomised 1:1:1 to placebo, or started on a loading dose of 400mg CZP every two weeks for the first four weeks then continued either on 200mg CZP Q2W or 400mg CZP Q4W. Patients receiving placebo who failed to achieve a ≥10% improvement in tender joint count (TJC) and swollen joint count (SJC) at both weeks 14 and 16 were rescued and randomized to one of the CZP arms following loading dose.
CZP use in psoriatic arthritis was associated with a similar safety profile to what has been observed in rheumatoid arthritis. Adverse events occurred at the rates of 68% for the placebo group versus 62% for the combined CZP group, and serious adverse events at 4% for the placebo group versus 7% for the combined CZP group. Two deaths occurred during this 24 wk double-blind phase of the study, one sudden death of unknown cause (CZP 400mg Q4W) and one myocardial infarction (CZP 200mg Q2W).
Abstract Number: LB0001
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*ACR (American College of Rheumatology) criteria measures improvement in tender or swollen joint counts and improvement in three of the following five parameters: acute phase reactant (such as sedimentation rate), patient assessment, physician assessment, pain scale and disability/functional questionnaire. ACR20 refers to a 20% improvement in tender/swollen joint counts, as well as three of the five other criteria. ACR50 refers to a 50% improvement and ACR70 refers to a 70% improvement.
**HAQ DI (Health Assessment Questionnaire – Disease Index) is a patient questionnaire that measures function and health-related quality of life through measuring a patient's ability to perform everyday tasks
***PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) is an index used to express the severity of psoriasis. It combines the severity (erythema, induration and desquamation) and percentage of affected area. PASI 75 is equal to a 75% reduction in the PASI score and is the current benchmark of primary endpoints for most clinical trials of psoriasis.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
For further information on this study, or to request an interview with the study lead, please do not hesitate to contact the EULAR congress Press Office in Hall 6 on the 3rd floor of the Congress Centre during EULAR 2012 or on:
Email: eularpressoffice@cohnwolfe.com
Candice Debleu:
Onsite tel: +44 7894 386 425
About EULAR
The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) is the organisation which represents the patient, health professional and scientific societies of rheumatology of all the European nations
In line with The European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS), EULAR defines rheumatology as including rheumatic diseases of the connective tissue, locomotor and musculoskeletal systems
EULAR aims to promote, stimulate and support the research, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of rheumatic diseases. With 45 scientific member societies, 36 PARE organisations and 10 health professionals associations, EULAR underscores the importance of combating rheumatic diseases not only by medical means, but also through a wider context of care for rheumatic patients and a thorough understanding of their social and other needs
Diseases of the bone and joints such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis cause disability in 4-5% of the adult population and are predicted to rise as people live longer
EULAR 2012 is set to be the biggest rheumatology event in Europe with over 15,000 scientists, physicians, allied health professionals, and related audiences in attendance from over 115 countries. Over the course of the congress, more than 275 oral and 1400 poster abstract presentations will be featured, with 1,010 invited speaker lectures taking place in 190 sessions
To find out more about the activities of EULAR, visit: www.eular.org
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