Bristol-Myers Squibb reports trial data for new Orencia formulation

Bristol-Myers Squibb has published new clinical study data which illustrates the potential benefits of a new formulation of its drug Orencia.

The company has conducted a phase III trial to evaluate the efficacy of a weekly subcutaneous administration of the rheumatoid arthritis treatment, following a single intravenous (IV) loading dose.

It was found that the investigational formulation was able to deliver a similar improvement in disease activity to the currently approved monthly IV dosage method.

The results mean the therapy was able to meet its primary efficacy endpoint in the Acquire clinical study, which was conducted among 1,457 patients over six months.

Dr Mark Genovese, professor of medicine at Stanford University Medical Center, said: "These findings are significant because they demonstrate that subcutaneous Orencia may provide an additional administration option for patients and physicians."

Earlier this month, Bristol-Myers Squibb agreed a new collaboration with Simcere Pharmaceutical Group, a China-based company, to jointly develop a new cancer treatment.