Shire reports positive results from Firazyr study

Shire has published the results from Fast-3, its largest phase III trial of Firazyr (icatibant) for the treatment of acute hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks.

The study revealed that symptom relief for patients receiving the drug was significantly faster than among those who took the placebo.

Using a composite symptom score assessed by the patient, the trial showed that the median time to onset of symptom relief was 19.8 hours for placebo but only 2.0 hours with Firazyr.

In addition, the treatment provided a significantly shorter time to the onset of relief of the patient's primary symptoms.

Sylvie Gregoire, president of Shire HGT, described the results from Fast-3 as "very positive and clinically meaningful".

The study was conducted in 67 sites across nine countries, with 88 patients suffering moderate to very severe symptoms enrolled in the double-blind phase.

Firazyr is currently approved in 37 nations for the symptomatic treatment of acute attacks of HAE in adults.

Shire finalised its acquisition of Movetis on November 9th 2010 after purchasing all of the Belgian company's issued shares and warrants.