UCB and Immunomedics announced top-line results from UCB's phase IIb clinical study comparing epratuzumab to placebo in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, also commonly known as lupus). The data from the 12-week dose and regimen-ranging study demonstrated clinical meaningful treatment effect of epratuzumab over placebo in SLE patients. The 227 patients in this study had moderately (30%) to severely (70%) active disease in multiple organ systems.

The primary efficacy measure was a combined index endpoint, which included several indices of SLE disease activity, primarily emphasizing BILAG measured improvement. Treatment advantage of epratuzumab over placebo reached 24.9% at week 12.

"Epratuzumab is the most advanced pipeline program in UCB's immunology disease portfolio and the positive results are significant for UCB as we continue to move our antibody based programs ahead", said Roch Doliveux, chief executive officer of UCB. "These results may provide new hope for the hundreds of thousands of people around the world living with SLE as no new treatment has been approved for this life altering disease for over five decades."

UCB is committed to finding treatments for immunological disorders and providing patients with therapeutic options that are effective with minimal adverse effects. In depth analysis of the data is ongoing in preparation of the phase III programme.

Epratuzumab, developed by Immunomedics and licensed to UCB for all autoimmune disease indications in 2006, is a humanised anti-CD22 monoclonal antibody with the potential to modulate B cell activity. Although the exact role of CD22 is not fully understood, it is considered to be a negative regulator of B cell function. B cells are known to contribute to SLE by producing antibodies against the body's own cells and tissues, causing the immune system to turn on itself, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage.

"We are delighted that this randomized, placebo-controlled, study conducted by UCB demonstrates the activity of epratuzumab in SLE, which has proven to be difficult to treat with currently available drugs," remarked Cynthia L. Sullivan, president and chief executive officer of Immunomedics, Inc. "Epratuzumab is a unique anti-B cell therapeutic, because of its ability to modulate B cell function without depleting a large portion of these lymphocytes," she added.

Epratuzumab is a humanized anti-CD22 monoclonal antibody under investigation for the treatment of SLE. CD22 is a B cell specific surface protein that is considered to be involved in B cell function. The product was licensed from Immunomedics, Inc., Morris Plains, NJ, USA.

SLE, commonly referred to as lupus, is a chronic and potentially fatal autoimmune disease with a variable and unpredictable course. Antibodies are generated against the body's own nuclear proteins causing the immune system to attack its own cells and tissues resulting in inflammation and tissue damage. This can occur in any part of the body, but most often targets the heart, joints, skin, lungs, blood vessels, liver, kidneys and nervous system.

UCB, Brussels, Belgium is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the research, development and commercialization of innovative medicines with a focus on the fields of central nervous system and immunology disorders.