Researchers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) in Switzerland have conducted a clinical study to investigate a new interleukin-18-inhibiting drug for the treatment of patients with Still’s disease.

The interleukin-18 (IL-18) protein is known to be involved in immune and inflammatory responses, and Still’s disease is a serious orphan condition caused due to deregulation of immune system that leads to an acute inflammatory response. The disease is characterised by abnormal levels of IL-18.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Results from the study are reported to have indicated positive safety and efficacy profile of the new drug, which was acquired by a Swiss start-up AB2 Bio, after being abandoned by a pharmaceutical company due to inconclusive test data against rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

During the latest study, 23 subjects with different forms of Still’s disease were administered with thrice-weekly 80mg or 160mg subcutaneous injections of the new drug over 12 weeks.

“These first results are extremely encouraging and mean we can plan a Phase III trial to better evaluate the effectiveness of the drug.”

The researchers found few serious side effects, of which only one is believed to be associated with the drug. Also, half of the subjects are reported to have demonstrated positive response over the treatment period and reduced symptoms during 12 weeks of follow-up.

UNIGE Faculty of Medicine professor Cem Gabay said: “In contrast, patients who didn’t have a positive 80mg response did not have one with 160mg either.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“These first results are extremely encouraging and mean we can plan a Phase III trial to better evaluate the effectiveness of the drug.”

The ongoing Phase II trial is designed to validate the drug’s safety and establish an optimal dose, while the subsequent Phase III trial will evaluate its efficacy.

Furthermore, the researchers expect that the new drug could also aid in treating other rare inflammatory diseases that involve dysregulated IL-18 production.