Trubion Initiates Study Of TRU-015 For Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals has commenced patient dosing in the next Phase 2b clinical trial of TRU-015 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In collaboration with Trubion, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals is developing TRU-015, SBI-087 and other CD20-directed products.

The randomized, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose regimen-finding study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of two dosing regimens administered to approximately 216 patients with active, seropositive RA on a background of methotrexate. The primary outcome measurement for the TRU-015 Phase 2b study will be the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 50 response measured at 24 weeks. Secondary outcome measurements will be ACR 20 and 70 and DAS-28 responses.

"Data reported previously demonstrates TRU-015's ability to significantly improve RA signs and symptoms, and maintain response rates with repeat administration of single doses given every six months," said Peter Thompson, M.D., FACP, president, CEO and chairman of Trubion. "This study is designed to help us identify an induction, or initial, dosing regimen and allow us to further establish the most effective treatment regimen for TRU-015. We believe this study has been designed in a way that could support a registration package, and we look forward to the results of this evaluation."

With the addition of SBI-087 -- Trubion's next-generation, fully humanized CD20-directed SMIPTM -- Trubion's pipeline now includes two compounds under development for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Trubion and Wyeth are leveraging Trubion's SMIPTM technology to create a portfolio of product candidates with customized mechanisms of action in an effort to optimize patient safety, efficacy and convenience.