(BW HealthWire) — IDEC Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: IDPH) today announced that it has initiated a randomized Phase II clinical trial with its investigational agent, IDEC-114, a PRIMATIZED(R) anti-CD80 (anti-B7-1) monoclonal antibody. The blinded, placebo-controlled, multiple-dose study will evaluate the potential clinical activity and safety of this investigational agent in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.
“We are very pleased with the results of our recently completed Phase I/II trial with IDEC-114 in psoriasis,” said Richard G. Lizambri, M.D., director, Autoimmmune and Inflammatory Diseases. “This multiple-dose trial has confirmed and extended the favorable safety profile and preliminary evidence of clinical activity seen in our earlier Phase I trial.” Detailed results from this study will be presented at a major scientific conference this year.
IDEC-114 has the potential to selectively regulate the immune response by binding to CD80, a key co-stimulatory molecule on antigen-presenting cells. Because IDEC-114 is highly targeted to cells that are directly related to the pathogenesis of psoriasis, it has the potential to achieve clinical activity while maintaining a very favorable safety profile.
Mitsubishi-Tokyo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has licensed the commercial rights of IDEC-114 in Asia. IDEC retains exclusive rights outside of Asia.
IDEC Pharmaceuticals focuses on the commercialization and development of targeted therapies for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. IDEC’s antibody products act chiefly through immune system mechanisms, exerting their effect by binding to specific, readily targeted immune cells in the patient’s blood or lymphatic systems.
The statements made in this press release contain certain forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ from IDEC’s expectations. For example, the timing, success and cost of preclinical research and clinical studies, the timing, acceptability and review periods for regulatory filings, the timing of and ability to obtain regulatory approval of products, the achievement of future product sales, the level of manufacturing performance and the risk factors listed from time to time in IDEC’s SEC filings including but not limited to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000, may affect the actual results achieved by IDEC. These forward-looking statements represent the company’s judgment as of the date of this release. The company disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
IDEC Pharmaceuticals and PRIMATIZED are registered U.S. trademarks of the company. The company’s headquarters is located at 3030 Callan Road, San Diego, CA 92121.
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