Belgian drugmaker Ablynx holds high hopes for its experimental drug to treat rheumatoid arthritis after seeing strong results in a recent clinical trial, according to Reuters.
North Chicago, Ill.-based AbbVie signed a partnership deal with Ablynx for the drug — called vobarilizumab — three years ago. AbbVie offered a $175 million upfront payment, with $665 million payable in future milestones if it opts to license the drug.
The drug targets a protein called interleukin 6, which contributes to the inflammation involved with rheumatoid arthritis.
During the 12-week Phase II clinical trial, about 41 percent of patients taking vobarilizumab demonstrated clinical remission from the disease.
"We're getting really stand-out data, which is great, and it is the first step for us in providing a data package to AbbVie, who will decide later in the year whether to take up their option and license the product," Edwin Moses, PhD, CEO of Ablynx, said, according to Reuters.
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