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Rituxan fails (again) in late-stage lupus trial

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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 and rheumatoid arthritis. 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
- read the story in the Wall Street Journal

Related Articles:
Developers testing new therapies for lupus
New warning issued on Rituxan for lupus
HGS adds positive data in extended lupus trial

More stories about Rituxan   lupus   Genentech   Biogen Idec   lymphoma   inflammatory diseases   arthritis   Human Genome Sciences   Drug Trials   Rheumatoid Arthritis  

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