( Golimumab Demonstrated Sustained Impro...)Anti-TNF Golimumab Continues to Show Promise in Phase II Rheumatoid,Arthritis Study,Health

Golimumab Demonstrated Sustained Improvement in Signs and Symptoms Of Moderate to Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis With One-Third of Patients Achieving Disease Remission at One-Year Mark

BARCELONA, Spain, 14 June 2007 – One-year data show nearly 75 percent of patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving golimumab (CNTO 148) and methotrexate (MTX) experienced and maintained at least 20 percent improvement in arthritis symptoms (ACR 20). This was according to findings from a double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging Phase II study presented today at the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Annual Congress of Rheumatology. The same study also showed that, on average, more than one-third of these patients achieved disease remission at one year as evaluated by Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) [DAS < 2.6].

Golimumab is a fully-human anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody that targets and neutralizes both the soluble and the membrane-bound form of TNF-alpha. Developed by Centocor, Inc and Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE: SGP), golimumab is being investigated for administration by both subcutaneous (SC) injection and intravenous (IV) infusion.

“The maintained therapeutic effect demonstrated by these results is very promising,” said Iain B. McInnes, FRCP, Ph.D., Professor of Experimental Medicine at the University of Glasgow; Honorary Consultant Rheumatologist, Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, Glasgow Royal Infirmary in Glasgow, United Kingdom, who serves as a lead investigator in a Phase III study of golimumab. “Physicians treating patients with RA are always looking for advanced medications that offer sustained efficacy to keep this serious, life-altering condition in remission.”

Data from the study showed that significantly greater percentages of patients treated with golimumab plus MTX achieved ACR 20, 50 and 70 responses (mark
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