Rhudex goes into its next stage of research

Scrip World Pharmaceutical News

Taken from NRAS magazine, Spring 2007

Medigene, the German biotech company, has begun its first Phase II trial for the innovative rheumatoid arthritis drug candidate, Rhudex. It has started a 35-patient Phase IIa trial of the oral T-cell co-stimulation blocker, given in addition to methotrexate therapy, with results expected in the second half. The study will monitor CRP levels (a biomarker for disease activity) in addition to obtaining safety and pharmacokinetic data. Medigene then plans to conduct a 200-patient Phase II trial of Rhudex, beginning next year. The drug intervenes at an early stage in the disease process and can be taken orally. It inhibits T-cell activation by specifically blocking co-stimulation via CD80 interaction.