Amgen's Sjogren's drug cuts disease activity in trial
Nov 11 (Reuters) - Amgen AMGN.O said on Wednesday a detailed late-stage trial data showed its experimental drug for the Sjogren's disease significantly reduced disease activity in patients.
This builds on the initial results reported by the company in September for the drug, dazodalibep
The Sjogren's disease is an autoimmune condition that attacks the body's moisture-producing glands, causing dry eyes and mouth, fatigue and pain
Patients on 1,500 mg of dazodalibep every four weeks lowered their disease activity score by 5.6 points over 48 weeks, versus 3.8 points for placebo — a gap of 1.8 points
Those on 3,000 mg dose every 12 weeks saw a 5.2-point drop, a 1.4-point gap versus placebo
Both doses met the trial's main goal, and the effect appeared as early as week four, Amgen said
The trial enrolled 648 patients with moderate-to-severe systemic disease activity
According to the Sjogren's Foundation, the condition affects up to 4 million Americans and about 90% of diagnosed adults are women
Novartis NOVN.S and Johnson & Johnson JNJ.N are also developing drugs to treat the Sjogren's disease, which has no approved treatments in the US