Gevokizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody, acts by suppressing the activation of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, thereby modulating the cellular signaling events that produce inflammation.
The Phase 2 study will randomise around 170 patients to receive one of two dose levels of gevokizumab or placebo administered subcutaneously, to demonstrate the mean absolute change from baseline in inflammatory facial lesion count following three months of therapy.
In previous studies, Gevokizumab has been shown to reduce intraocular inflammation and improve visual acuity or other ophthalmic measures after a single treatment following discontinuation of immunosuppressive drugs.
Xoma Interim CEO John Varian said the study is designed to expand the importance of gevokizumab, the company’s lead clinical asset, by evaluating its potential in diseases characterized by interleukin-1 beta over-expression.
"Upon completion of this series of proof-of-concept studies, we believe we will have sufficient evidence to initiate a further development program in at least one of these indications." Varian added.