Fw: IDEC-151 Phase 2 Trials Starting

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IDEC Begins Phase II Study of Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug

NEW YORK, Aug 08 (Reuters Health) - IDEC Pharmaceuticals has initiated a

multicenter phase II clinical trial of its primatized nondepleting,

anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody in conjunction with methotrexate as a

potential treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, the San Diego,

California-based company said on Monday.

Clenoliximab, also known as IDEC-151, was originally under development

through a partnership with Kline Beecham, an IDEC spokesperson told

Reuters Health. However, Kline abandoned the compound last year,

attributing its decision to concerns about the drug's clinical profile

and the competitive landscape for rheumatoid arthritis, he said.

As a result, IDEC reclaimed rights to clenoliximab in February and will

now pursue development without a partner, the spokesperson reported.

" We've always been optimistic about IDEC 151, " he said.

IDEC's double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study will evaluate

the safety and clinical activity of multiple doses of clenoliximab and

methotrexate in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis.

The company expects to enroll about 130 subjects.

Clenoliximab is believed to bind to the CD4 receptor on helper T cells,

which are the immune cells responsible for inflammation in rheumatoid

arthritis, IDEC said. The drug is thought to regulate the T-cell

function " without depleting T cells and affecting other important immune

system functions, " according to the firm.

IDEC's shares were up 3-9/16 at 140-9/16 during Monday afternoon trading

on the NASDAQ exchange.

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