RAPID™-PsA study showed that certolizumab pegol improved signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis in patients with and without prior anti-TNF exposure

ATLANTA, Nov. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- UCB announced today results from the RAPID™-PsA study at the American College of Rheumatology's (ACR) 2012 Annual Scientific Meeting in Washington, D.C., U.S. Data presented from this Phase 3 study showed that compared to placebo, certolizumab pegol provided improvements in the signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adult patients with and without prior anti-TNF (tumor necrosis factor) exposure. Patients in this study could have received one previous anti-TNF, provided they were not primary non-responders, as determined by the investigator.¹ 

Certolizumab pegol is not approved for the treatment of PsA. UCB intends to file global regulatory submissions for certolizumab pegol in PsA by the end of 2012.

"The RAPID™-PsA study is the first randomized, controlled clinical study of an anti-TNF in psoriatic arthritis to include patients with and without prior anti-TNF exposure. Results suggested that certolizumab pegol improved the signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis for patients regardless of prior exposure to this class of therapy," said Dr. Philip J. Mease, Director Rheumatology Research, Swedish Medical Center and Clinical Professor, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, U.S. "Studies such as RAPID™-PsA including patients with and without previous anti-TNF exposure are informative since in day-to-day clinical practice we see that a greater number of patients have prior exposure to an anti-TNF therapy."

One clinical primary endpoint of the RAPID™-PsA study was the ACR20 response at week 12. The ACR20 response was significantly higher in both the certolizumab pegol arms of the study compared with placebo (58.0%, 51.9% vs. 24.3% in 200mg every 2 weeks, 400mg every 4 weeks vs. placebo respectively, p<0.001) and the response was observed as early as week one (21.0%, 23.0% vs.  7.4% in 200 mg every 2 weeks, 400 mg every 4 weeks vs. placebo, respectively).¹

At baseline, 20% of patients had received previous anti-TNF therapy. At week 24, improvements in signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis with certolizumab pegol combined doses vs. placebo were observed in patients with prior anti-TNF exposure (59.3% vs.11.5%) and without prior anti-TNF exposure (60.3% vs. 26.4%).¹  

Adverse events occurred in 62% vs. 68% and serious adverse events in 7% vs. 4% in certolizumab pegol (combined dose) vs. placebo, respectively.¹ The most common adverse events with >5% incidence in both certolizumab pegol dosing arms or placebo were nasopharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infections. The most common serious adverse events in both certolizumab pegol dosing arms or placebo groups were infections and infestations (1.2% in the certolizumab pegol combined group vs. 0.7% in the placebo group).²

In the U.S., certolizumab pegol is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately-to-severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and for reducing the signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease (CD) and maintaining clinical response in adult patients with moderately-to-severely active disease who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy. Certolizumab pegol is marketed under the trade name Cimzia^®.³

In the European Union, Cimzia^® in combination with methotrexate (MTX) is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients inadequately responsive to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) including MTX. Cimzia^® can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to MTX or when continued treatment with MTX is inappropriate.⁴

Note to editors
The second clinical primary endpoint of the RAPID™-PsA study was the difference from baseline to week 24 in the van der Heijde modified Total Sharp Score (mTSS) of radiographic changes.  Abstract 557: Presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2012.

About ACR20
ACR20 response is the proportion of patients achieving a 20% improvement in tender and swollen joint counts, together with a 20% improvement in at least 3 of: global disease activity assessed by observer, global disease activity assessed by patient, patient assessment of pain, physical disability score or acute phase response (c-reactive protein [CRP] measurement).

About RAPID™-PsA¹
The RAPID™-PsA study is an ongoing 158 week study that was double-blind and placebo controlled to week 24, dose-blind to week 48 and open label to week 158. The study randomized 409 patients (1:1:1) with active psoriatic arthritis to receive either certolizumab pegol 200 mg every 2 weeks or 400 mg every 4 weeks or placebo. In the certolizumab pegol arms, patients received a loading dose of 400 mg certolizumab pegol at weeks 0, 2 and 4. Patients enrolled in this study must have failed at least one prior disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). Patients in the study could have received one previous anti-TNF, provided they were not primary non-responders, as determined by the investigator. At baseline, 20% of patients had previously failed one anti-TNF. Within the placebo arm, patients who did not respond to treatment (response defined as >/= 10% decrease in tender joint count and swollen joint count) at weeks 14 and 16 were re-randomized at Week 16 to receive certolizumab pegol 200 mg every 2 weeks or 400 mg every 4 weeks following the loading dose.¹

About Psoriatic Arthritis^5,6,7,8,9
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory condition which affects both the skin and joints, and can result in skin and nail abnormalities and progressive, disabling joint damage and reduced quality of life. Signs and symptoms of PsA include stiff, painful, swollen joints with reduced mobility, and ridged and crumbly nails. PsA affects 1-3 percent of the population worldwide, and between 6 and 42 percent of people with psoriasis. Genetic and environmental factors play a role in PsA, and the disease usually occurs between the ages of 30 and 50. Overactive immune cells found in the joints and skin lead to inflammation, nail changes and progressive joint damage.

About CIMZIA®
Cimzia® is the only PEGylated anti-TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor). Cimzia® has a high affinity for human TNF-alpha, selectively neutralizing the pathophysiological effects of TNF-alpha. Over the past decade, TNF-alpha has emerged as a major target of basic research and clinical investigation. This cytokine plays a key role in mediating pathological inflammation, and excess TNF-alpha production has been directly implicated in a wide variety of diseases. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Cimzia® for reducing signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease and maintaining clinical response in adult patients with moderately to severely active disease who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy and for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. Cimzia® in combination with MTX is approved in the EU for the treatment of moderate to severe active RA in adult patients inadequately responsive to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) including MTX. Cimzia® can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to MTX or when continued treatment with MTX is inappropriate. UCB is also developing Cimzia® in other autoimmune disease indications. Cimzia® is a registered trademark of UCB PHARMA S.A.

Cimzia® (certolizumab pegol) in the U.S. important safety information

Risk of Serious Infections and Malignancy
Patients treated with CIMZIA are at an increased risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death.  Most patients who developed these infections were taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or corticosteroids.  CIMZIA should be discontinued if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis.  Reported infections include:

• Active tuberculosis, including reactivation of latent tuberculosis.  Patients with tuberculosis have frequently presented with disseminated or extrapulmonary disease.  Patients should be tested for latent tuberculosis before CIMZIA use and during therapy.  Treatment for latent infection should be initiated prior to CIMZIA use. 
• Invasive fungal infections, including histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, candidiasis, aspergillosis, blastomycosis, and pneumocystosis.  Patients with histoplasmosis or other invasive fungal infections may present with disseminated, rather than localized disease.  Antigen and antibody testing for histoplasmosis may be negative in some patients with active infection.  Empiric anti-fungal therapy should be considered in patients at risk for invasive fungal infections who develop severe systemic illness .
• Bacterial, viral and other infections due to opportunistic pathogens, including Legionella and Listeria.

The risks and benefits of treatment with CIMZIA should be carefully considered prior to initiating therapy in patients with chronic or recurrent infection.  Patients should be closely monitored for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with CIMZIA, including the possible development of tuberculosis in patients who tested negative for latent tuberculosis infection prior to initiating therapy.

Lymphoma and other malignancies, some fatal, have been reported in children and adolescent patients treated with TNF blockers, of which CIMZIA is a member.  CIMZIA is not indicated for use in pediatric patients.

Patients treated with CIMZIA are at an increased risk for developing serious infections involving various organ systems and sites that may lead to hospitalization or death.  Opportunistic infections due to bacterial, mycobacterial, invasive fungal, viral, parasitic, or other opportunistic pathogens including aspergillosis, blastomycosis, candidiasis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, legionellosis, listeriosis, pneumocystosis and tuberculosis have been reported with TNF blockers.  Patients have frequently presented with disseminated rather than localized disease.

Treatment with CIMZIA should not be initiated in patients with an active infection, including clinically important localized infections. CIMZIA should be discontinued if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis.  Patients greater than 65 years of age, patients with co-morbid conditions, and/or patients taking concomitant immunosuppressants (e.g. corticosteroids or methotrexate) may be at a greater risk of infection.  Patients who develop a new infection during treatment with CIMZIA should be closely monitored, undergo a prompt and complete diagnostic workup appropriate for immunocompromised patients, and appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be initiated.  Appropriate empiric antifungal therapy should also be considered while a diagnostic workup is performed for patients who develop a serious systemic illness and reside or travel in regions where mycoses are endemic.

Malignancies
During controlled and open-labeled portions of CIMZIA studies of Crohn's disease and other diseases, malignancies (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) were observed at a rate of 0.5 per 100 patient-years among 4,650 CIMZIA-treated patients versus a rate of 0.6 per 100 patient-years among 1,319 placebo-treated patients. In studies of CIMZIA for Crohn's disease and other investigational uses, there was one case of lymphoma among 2,657 CIMZIA-treated patients and one case of Hodgkin lymphoma among 1,319 placebo-treated patients.  In CIMZIA RA clinical trials (placebo-controlled and open label) a total of three cases of lymphoma were observed among 2,367 patients.  This is approximately 2-fold higher than expected in the general population.  Patients with RA, particularly those with highly active disease, are at a higher risk for the development of lymphoma. The potential role of TNF blocker therapy in the development of malignancies is not known.

Malignancies, some fatal, have been reported among children, adolescents, and young adults who received treatment with TNF-blocking agents (initiation of therapy </= 18 years of age), of which CIMZIA is a member.  Approximately half of the cases were lymphoma (including Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, while the other cases represented a variety of different malignancies and included rare malignancies associated with immunosuppression and malignancies not usually observed in children and adolescents.  Most of the patients were receiving concomitant immunosuppressants. 

Cases of acute and chronic leukemia have been reported with TNF-blocker use.  Even in the absence of TNF-blocker therapy, patients with RA may be at a higher risk (approximately 2-fold) than the general population for developing leukemia.

Heart Failure
Cases of worsening congestive heart failure (CHF) and new onset CHF have been reported with TNF blockers. CIMZIA has not been formally studied in patients with CHF. Exercise caution when using CIMZIA in patients who have heart failure and monitor them carefully.

Hypersensitivity
Symptoms compatible with hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema, dyspnea, hypotension, rash, serum sickness, and urticaria, have been reported rarely following CIMZIA administration. If such reactions occur, discontinue further administration of CIMZIA and institute appropriate therapy.

Hepatitis B Reactivation
Use of TNF blockers, including CIMZIA, may increase the risk of reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in patients who are chronic carriers of this virus. Some cases have been fatal. Evaluate patients at risk for HBV infection for prior evidence of HBV infection before initiating CIMZIA therapy. Exercise caution in prescribing CIMZIA for patients identified as carriers of HBV, with careful evaluation and monitoring prior to and during treatment. In patients who develop HBV reactivation, discontinue CIMZIA and initiate effective anti-viral therapy with appropriate supportive treatment.

Neurologic Reactions
Use of TNF blockers, including CIMZIA, has been associated with rare cases of new onset or exacerbation of clinical symptoms and/or radiographic evidence of central nervous system demyelinating disease, including multiple sclerosis, and with peripheral demyelinating disease, including Guillain-Barre syndrome. Rare cases of neurological disorders, including seizure disorder, optic neuritis, and peripheral neuropathy have been reported in patients treated with CIMZIA. Exercise caution in considering the use of CIMZIA in patients with these disorders.

Hematologic Reactions
Rare reports of pancytopenia, including aplastic anemia, have been reported with TNF blockers. Medically significant cytopenia (e.g., leukopenia, pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia) has been infrequently reported with CIMZIA. Advise all patients to seek immediate medical attention if they develop signs and symptoms suggestive of blood dyscrasias or infection (e.g., persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, pallor) while on CIMZIA. Consider discontinuation of CIMZIA therapy in patients with confirmed significant hematologic abnormalities.

Drug Interactions
An increased risk of serious infections has been seen in clinical trials of other TNF blocking agents used in combination with anakinra or abatacept.  Formal drug interaction studies have not been performed with rituximab or natalizumab; however because of the nature of the adverse events seen with these combinations with TNF blocker therapy, similar toxicities may also result from the use of CIMZIA in these combinations.  Therefore, the combination of CIMZIA with anakinra, abatacept, rituximab, or natalizumab is not recommended.  Interference with certain coagulation assays has been detected in patients treated with CIMZIA. There is no evidence that CIMZIA therapy has an effect on in vivo coagulation. CIMZIA may cause erroneously elevated aPTT assay results in patients without coagulation abnormalities.

Autoimmunity
Treatment with CIMZIA may result in the formation of autoantibodies and, rarely, in the development of a lupus-like syndrome. Discontinue treatment if symptoms of lupus-like syndrome develop.

Immunizations
Do not administer live vaccines or live-attenuated vaccines concurrently with CIMZIA.

Adverse Reactions
In controlled Crohn's clinical trials, the most common adverse events that occurred in ≥5% of CIMZIA patients (n=620) and more frequently than with placebo (n=614) were upper respiratory infection (20% CIMZIA, 13% placebo), urinary tract infection (7% CIMZIA, 6% placebo), and arthralgia (6% CIMZIA, 4% placebo). The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions in the controlled clinical studies was 8% for CIMZIA and 7% for placebo. In controlled RA clinical trials, the most common adverse events that occurred in >/= 3% of patients taking CIMZIA 200 mg every other week with concomitant methotrexate (n=640) and more frequently than with placebo with concomitant methotrexate (n=324) were upper respiratory tract infection (6% CIMZIA, 2% placebo), headache (5% CIMZIA, 4% placebo), hypertension (5% CIMZIA, 2% placebo), nasopharyngitis (5% CIMZIA, 1% placebo), back pain (4% CIMZIA, 1% placebo), pyrexia (3% CIMZIA, 2% placebo), pharyngitis (3% CIMZIA, 1% placebo), rash (3% CIMZIA, 1% placebo), acute bronchitis (3% CIMZIA,1% placebo), fatigue (3% CIMZIA, 2% placebo). Hypertensive adverse reactions were observed more frequently in patients receiving CIMZIA than in controls.  These adverse reactions occurred more frequently among patients with a baseline history of hypertension and among patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.  Patients receiving CIMZIA 400mg as monotherapy every 4 weeks in RA controlled clinical trials had similar adverse reactions to those patients receiving CIMZIA 200mg every other week.  The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions in the controlled clinical studies was 5% for CIMZIA and 2.5% for placebo.

For full prescribing information, please go to www.ucb.com   
http://www.ucb.com/_up/ucb_com_products/documents/Cimzia%20COL%2004-2012_Immunizations%20and%20TB_Updated.pdf

Cimzia® (certolizumab pegol) in EU/ EEA important safety information
Cimzia® was studied in 2367 patients with RA in controlled and open label trials for up to 57 months. The commonly reported adverse reactions (1-10%) in clinical trials with Cimzia® and post-marketing were viral infections (includes herpes, papillomavirus, influenza), bacterial infections (including abscess), rash, headache (including migraine), asthenia, leukopaenia (including lymphopaenia, neutropaenia), eosinophilic disorder, pain (any sites), pyrexia, sensory abnormalities, hypertension, pruritis (any sites), hepatitis (including hepatic enzyme increase), injection site reactions and nausea. Serious adverse reactions include sepsis, opportunistic infections, tuberculosis, herpes zoster, lymphoma, leukaemia, solid organ tumours, angioneurotic edema, cardiomyopathies (includes heart failure), ischemic coronary artery disorders, pancytopaenia, hypercoagulation (including thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism), cerebrovascular accident, vasculitis, hepatitis/hepatopathy (includes cirrhosis), and renal impairment/nephropathy (includes nephritis). In RA controlled clinical trials, 5% of patients discontinued taking Cimzia® due to adverse events vs. 2.5% for placebo.

Cimzia® is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the excipients, active tuberculosis or other severe infections such as sepsis or opportunistic infections or moderate to severe heart failure.

Serious infections including sepsis, tuberculosis and opportunistic infections have been reported in patients receiving Cimzia®. Some of these events have been fatal. Monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of infections including tuberculosis before, during and after treatment with Cimzia®. Treatment with Cimzia must not be initiated in patients with a clinically important active infection. If an infection develops, monitor carefully and stop Cimzia® if infection becomes serious.  Before initiation of therapy with Cimzia®, all patients must be evaluated for both active and inactive (latent) tuberculosis infection. If active tuberculosis is diagnosed prior to or during treatment, Cimzia® therapy must not be initiated and must be discontinued.

If latent tuberculosis is diagnosed, appropriate anti-tuberculosis therapy must be started before initiating treatment with Cimzia®. Patients should be instructed to seek medical advice if signs/symptoms (e.g. persistent cough, wasting/weight loss, low grade fever, listlessness) suggestive of tuberculosis occur during or after therapy with Cimzia®.

Reactivation of hepatitis B has occurred in patients receiving a TNF-antagonist including Cimzia® who are chronic carriers of the virus (i.e. surface antigen positive). Some cases have had a fatal outcome. Patients should be tested for HBV infection before initiating treatment with Cimzia®. Carriers of HBV who require treatment with Cimzia® should be closely monitored and in the case of HBV reactivation Cimzia® should be stopped and effective anti-viral therapy with appropriate supportive treatment should be initiated.

TNF antagonists including Cimzia® may increase the risk of new onset or exacerbation of clinical symptoms and/or radiographic evidence of demyelinating disease; of formation of autoantibodies and uncommonly of the development of a lupus-like syndrome; of severe hypersensitivity reactions. If a patient develops any of these adverse reactions, Cimzia® should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted.

With the current knowledge, a possible risk for the development of lymphomas, leukaemia or other malignancies in patients treated with a TNF antagonist cannot be excluded. Rare cases of neurological disorders, including seizure disorder, neuritis and peripheral neuropathy, have been reported in patients treated with Cimzia®.

Adverse reactions of the hematologic system, including medically significant cytopenia, have been infrequently reported with Cimzia®. Advise all patients to seek immediate medical attention if they develop signs and symptoms suggestive of blood dyscrasias or infection (e.g., persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, pallor) while on Cimzia®. Consider discontinuation of Cimzia® therapy in patients with confirmed significant hematological abnormalities.

The use of Cimzia® in combination with anakinra or abatacept is not recommended due to a potential increased risk of serious infections. As no data are available, Cimzia® should not be administered concurrently with live vaccines. The 14-day half-life of Cimzia® should be taken into consideration if a surgical procedure is planned. A patient who requires surgery while on Cimzia® should be closely monitored for infections.

Please consult the full prescribing information in relation to other side effects, full safety and prescribing information. European SmPC date of revision June 2012.
http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Product_Information/human/001037/WC500069763.pdf

References

1. Abstract 2613: Mease P., Fleischmann R., Wollenhaupt J. et al. Effect of certolizumab pegol on signs and symptoms in patients with psoriatic arthritis with and without prior anti-TNF exposure: 24 week results of a phase 3 double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study. Presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2012.
2. UCB Data on file
3. Cimzia® US Prescribing Information. Accessed October 10^th 2012 from http://www.ucb.com/_up/ucb_com_products/documents/Cimzia%20COL%2004-2012_Immunizations%20and%20TB_Updated.pdf  
4. Cimzia® EU Summary of Product Characteristics. Accessed October 10^th 2012 from http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Product_Information/human/001037/WC500069763.pdf  
5. Psoriatic Arthritis, Genetics Home Reference. Accessed August 24^th 2012 from http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/psoriatic-arthritis  
6. Schett G., Coates L.C. et al. Structural damage in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis: traditional views, novel insights gained from TNF blockade, and concepts for the future. Arthritis Res Ther. 2011 May 25;13 Suppl 1:S4.
7. Gladman D.D., Antoni C., Mease P. et al. Psoriatic arthritis: epidemiology, clinical features, course, and outcome. Ann Rheum Dis. 2005 Mar;64 Suppl 2:ii14-7.
8. National Psoriasis Foundation. Diagnosing psoriatic arthritis. Accessible at: http://www.psoriasis.org/psoriatic-arthritis/diagnosis  
9. Weger W. Current status and new developments in the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis with biological agents. Br J Pharmacol. 2010 Jun;160(4):810-20

For further information
Eimear O'Brien, Director, Brand Communications
T +32.2.559.9271, [email protected]   

Andrea Levin, Associate Director, U.S. Communications and Public Relations
T +1 770 970 8352, [email protected]

Antje Witte, Investor Relations, UCB
T +32.2.559.9414, [email protected]

France Nivelle, Global Communications, UCB
T +32.2.559.9178, [email protected]

About UCB
UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb.com) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases of the immune system or of the central nervous system. With more than 8,500 people in about 40 countries, the company generated revenue of EUR 3.2 billion in 2011. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB).

Forward looking statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current plans, estimates and beliefs of management. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including estimates of revenues, operating margins, capital expenditures, cash, other financial information, expected legal, political, regulatory or clinical results and other such estimates and results. By their nature, such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions which could cause actual results to differ materially from those that may be implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Important factors that could result in such differences include: changes in general economic, business and competitive conditions, the inability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals or to obtain them on acceptable terms, costs associated with research and development, changes in the prospects for products in the pipeline or under development by UCB, effects of future judicial decisions or governmental investigations, product liability claims, challenges to patent protection for products or product candidates, changes in laws or regulations, exchange rate fluctuations, changes or uncertainties in tax laws or the administration of such laws and hiring and retention of its employees. UCB is providing this information as of the date of this press release and expressly disclaims any duty to update any information contained in this press release, either to confirm the actual results or to report a change in its expectations.

There is no guarantee that new product candidates in the pipeline will progress to product approval or that new indications for existing products will be developed and approved. Products or potential products which are the subject of partnerships, joint ventures or licensing collaborations may be subject to differences between the partners. Also, UCB or others could discover safety, side effects or manufacturing problems with its products after they are marketed.

Moreover, sales may be impacted by international and domestic trends toward managed care and health care cost containment and the reimbursement policies imposed by third-party payers as well as legislation affecting biopharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement.

SOURCE UCB

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