Abbott Announces Positive Results From Psoriasis Study

New Phase II study results show that Abbott's investigational treatment, ABT-874, reduced psoriasis symptoms significantly in the majority of patients treated, the company announced.

A total of 180 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis were enrolled in a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients were randomized evenly to six treatment groups: a single, subcutaneous 200-mg injection of ABT-874 at week zero; 100 mg every other week for 12 weeks; 200 mg weekly for four weeks; 200 mg every other week for 12 weeks; 200 mg weekly for 12 weeks; or placebo. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving 75 percent improvement in the degree and severity of skin lesions after 12 weeks, measured by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index.

At 12 weeks, nine out of 10 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis achieved 75 percent improvement in psoriasis signs and symptoms in four of the five dosing groups receiving ABT-874, versus 3 percent of patients receiving placebo. Also, more than half of patients achieved 90 percent improvement in the same four of five ABT-874 dosing groups, versus 0 percent of those receiving placebo.

ABT-874 is a fully human monoclonal antibody designed to target and neutralize interleukin-12 and interleukin-23, two proteins associated with inflammation in psoriasis and other autoimmune disorders. The drug represents a novel approach to treating psoriasis, targeting a part of the inflammatory response that is not addressed by any therapy currently available, according to the company. Abbott said it plans to begin Phase III psoriasis studies with ABT-874 later this year.