Genentech and Biogen Idec were taking it on the chin this morning after researchers announced that Rituxan had failed in a later-stage trial as a therapy for lupus. The failure won't harm the blockbuster's penetration of the markets for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma [1]Â and rheumatoid arthritis [2]. But the companies had high hopes for the drug's ability to treat a condition with few therapeutic options to pick from. Analyst estimated potential sales in that one category at more than a billion dollars.
Rituxan block B cells, which play a role in inflammation, and has already been put into use for lupus on an off-label basis. Rituxan also recently failed a late-stage trial for MS.
- here's the Rituxan release [3]
- read the story [4] in the Wall Street Journal
Related Articles:
Developers testing new therapies for lupus [5]
New warning issued on Rituxan for lupus [6]
HGS adds positive data in extended lupus trial [7]
Links:
[1] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/genentech-and-biogen-idec-in-talks-over-rituxan/2006-08-04
[2] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/fda-approves-rituxan-for-rheumatoid-arthritis/2006-03-01
[3] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/press-releases/genentech-and-biogen-idec-phase-ii-iii-study-rituxan-fails-meet-endpoints
[4] http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120947549048052731.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
[5] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/developers-testing-new-therapies-for-lupus/2007-01-23
[6] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/new-warning-issued-on-rituxan-for-lupus/2006-12-19
[7] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/hgs-adds-positive-data-in-extended-lupus-trial/2006-11-14