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news.GlaxoSmithKline has decided to exercise its option to jointly develop and commercialize an experimental arthritis treatment with Human Genome Sciences.
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Human Genome is developing LymphoStat-B as a potential treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, already establishing the drug’s safety and efficacy during initial clinical trials.
LymphoStat-B is a human monoclonal antibody that specifically recognizes and inhibits the biological activity of B-lymphocyte stimulator.
As part of the companies 1996 agreement Human Genome granted a 50/50 co-development and co-promotion option to Glaxo for certain therapeutic products that successfully complete phase II clinical trials.
The companies will take an equal share of the costs and profits of the continuing development program, but are still negotiating other terms.
“Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus cause suffering to millions of people. It is our hope that LymphoStat-B will one day become an important treatment option for those who suffer from these diseases,” said Thomas Watkins, CEO at Human Genome.
Mr Watkins went on to say he believes Glaxo’s decision to collaborate on the production of LymphoStat-B would greatly facilitate the development and commercialization of the product.