Abgenix Abandons Development of ABX-IL8 for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abgenix Inc. announced it is abandoning the development of ABX-IL8 for potential use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis following disappointing results in a Phase 2a trial.

"While we are disappointed by the clinical results achieved with ABX-IL8 in rheumatoid arthritis, we remain enthusiastic about ABX-IL8 in other indications we are pursuing including psoriasis, COPD, and metastatic melanoma," said R. Scott Greer, chairman and chief executive officer of Abgenix.

"Importantly, ABX-IL8 appears to be safe and well tolerated in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis, supporting the strong safety profile we have seen in psoriasis," Greer said.

Abgenix develops fully human antibodies using genetically engineered mice and licenses its technology to other drug companies.

Other sources: Abgenix