The randomized, placebo-controlled study is part of a broad clinical development program to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of MLN1202, a novel humanized monoclonal antibody, in a number of diseases including atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and scleroderma.
This phase II clinical trial is designed to enroll up to 110 patients and assess safety and the effect of MLN1202, a CCR2 antagonist, on circulating C- reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker of the inflammation associated with atherosclerosis.
“Studies have shown that inflammation, and particularly the recruitment of macrophages, a type of white blood cell, contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic lesions along the artery walls,” said Nancy Simonian, senior vice president, clinical, regulatory and medical affairs, at Millennium.
Ms Simonian continued: “We believe that the unique anti-inflammatory mechanism of MLN1202 may interfere with the formation of these lesions and could provide patients with a new treatment option. The clinical advancement of MLN1202 across a variety of diseases further demonstrates the success of our pathway approach to drug development and our commitment to using biomarkers to inform the process.”