Cimzia(R) (certolizumab pegol) Provides Long-Term Remission and Response Rates in Infliximab-Refractory Crohn'...( Cimzia(R) shows duration of response ...)

Cimzia(R) shows duration of response up to week 26 in moderate to severe Crohn's patients who failed the intravenous infusion treatment infliximab.

CHICAGO, June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- New data from the WELCOME study presented by UCB at the Digestive Disease Week meeting demonstrate that Cimzia(R) (certolizumab pegol) provides sustained symptom improvement with stable dosing through week 26 for adult patients suffering from moderate to severe Crohn's disease (CD) who are intolerant or no longer responding to Remicade(R) (infliximab). Cimzia(R) is approved for reducing signs and symptoms of moderate to severe Crohn's disease and maintaining clinical response in adult patients who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy. Cimzia is the only PEGylated anti-TNF alpha (Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha).

"These are important findings as Cimzia(R) shows an extended duration of response in an induction and maintenance clinical trial of Crohn's disease patients who have failed infliximab," said study investigator Douglas Wolf, M.D., Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates, Atlanta, GA. "The study demonstrates that Cimzia(R) is effective up to 26 weeks in this difficult to treat patient population."

The primary objective of WELCOME is to assess the clinical efficacy of Cimzia(R) (400 mg) at week 6 following an induction, in moderate to severe Crohn's disease patients who have previously received and responded but who no longer have a sustained response and/or tolerance to infliximab. Primary efficacy was defined as at least 100 points decrease in the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) versus baseline at week 6. The trial demonstrated that after the induction period 62 percent of patients achieved response and 39 percent achieved remission. 33 percent responded to treatment by week 2 and 44 percent responded by week 4. By week 26, nearly a third of patients receiving Cimzia(R) (400 mg) subcutaneously every two or fo
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