Elan Corporation and Biogen today announced the success of the third phase of their trials of Antegren, the drug for the treatment of Crohn's disease.
Elan said that there was a significant treatment difference of more than 30% in favour of natalizumab (Antegren) in patients taking the drug compared to those taking placebo, and there wa no notable difference in the overall rates of side effects between natalizumab and placebo treatment groups over six months.
Elan and Biogen, which are collaborating on the development, manufacturing and marketing of natalizumab, will discuss these data with regulatory authorities in both the US and Europe and determine the appropriate path forward for natalizumab in Crohn's disease.
In a statement Elan's Lars Ekman said: 'We are extremely encouraged by these findings and are committed to the further development and evaluation of natalizumab in Crohn's disease.'
Elan said it has enrolled 2,000 patients for trials in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis using natalizumab.
