Abbott commences new phase III Humira studies

Abbott has announced the commencement of a pair of new phase III clinical studies for Humira (adalimumab) for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa.

The two trials will be conducted over 36 weeks across around 50 sites in Australia, Canada, Europe and the US, evaluating the efficacy of the drug as a treatment for moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa among adult patients.

Results from these studies are expected in 2013, with Abbott believing the drug can offer benefits in the treatment of a difficult-to-treat chronic inflammatory skin disease.

Humira has been available for around a decade and was originally approved as a therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, but has since been accepted for five additional indications.

Dr John Medich, vice-president of clinical development for Abbott's immunology division, said: "Abbott is committed to investigating adalimumab as a treatment option for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa and these studies represent another important step in continuing this exploration."

Earlier this week, the company published positive new trial data from a study of Zemplar, showing its benefits in addressing secondary hyperparathyroidism among patients on kidney dialysis.