Second positive trial for Regeneron's gout drug Arcalyst

Regeneron has reported positive top-line results from a confirmatory trial of its Arcalyst (rilonacept) drug candidate for gout, putting it on track for a filing in 2011.

The Phase III study - called PRE-SURGE 2 - showed that Arcalyst reduced the number of gout flares by 72% compared to placebo in patients starting treatment with the long-standing therapy allopurinol.

Arcalyst also met all secondary endpoints of the study, according to Regeneron, including a 63% reduction in the number of patients who experienced at least one gout flare during the 16-week study period. The results were in line with those of the earlier PRE-SURGE 1 study