GlaxoSmithKline and Genmab announce phase III ofatumumab results

GlaxoSmithKline and Genmab have announced preliminary top-line results from a phase III clinical trial involving the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) drug ofatumumab.

In a statement, the organisations explained that the therapy was administered intravenously to a total of 260 RA patients who had not adequately responded to methotrexate.

The trial met its primary endpoint of a 20 per cent or greater improvement in the number of tender and swollen joints at 24 weeks. In addition, there were no unexpected adverse safety findings.

Carlo Russo, senior vice-president of biopharm development at GlaxoSmithKline, noted that RA can be a “highly-debilitating” condition and called the preliminary results from the study “encouraging”.

Lisa Drakeman, chief executive of Genmab, added: “We have always believed in ofatumumab’s potential to make a difference in patients’ lives. We are pleased with the results of this study.”

Earlier this month, GlaxoSmithKline and Amgen announced plans to work together to commercialise denosumab in Europe for the treatment of patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis.