New data supports vobarilizumab move into Phase III

Belgian drug developer Ablynx (Euronext Brussels: ABLX) is presenting positive new data from the Phase IIb RA combination study of its anti-IL-6R nanobody, vobarilizumab, at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Canadian Rheumatology Association, being held from 8 to 11 February 2017 in Ottawa, Ontario.

In this 24-week, double-blind, international study, patients were randomized to receive subcutaneously administered placebo or one of four dose regimens of vobarilizumab, in addition to methotrexate. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving an ACR20 response at week 12. The secondary endpoints included assessments of higher levels of ACR response and disease activity (DAS28CRP). Adverse events and routine safety parameters including laboratory assessments were also recorded.

The data show that in patients with active RA despite use of methotrexate, treatment with vobarilizumab (150mg q4w, 150mg q2w and 225mg q2w) had a positive impact on disease activity with a compelling safety profile. Overall, the results support the advancement of vobarilizumab into Phase III development, said Ablynx.