AstraZeneca’s Experimental Lupus Treatment Fails to Hit Primary Endpoint

Anifrolumab, AstraZeneca Plc’s experimental treatment for lupus, has missed its primary endpoint in a study.

The drug failed to meet the goal of a late-stage trial that had 373 patients. Patients in the study did not see a statistically significant reduction in disease activity compared with those who received a placebo in the yearlong study, said the company.

“The result of this trial is disappointing for patients and the lupus community,” said Sean Bohen, Astra’s executive vice president for global medicines development.

The company has said that full evaluation of the data from the trial, called Tulip 1, will be conducted later this year.

“SLE is a debilitating autoimmune disease with significant unmet need among patients who struggle to achieve meaningful disease control,” remarked Bohen.

Lupus is a hard-to-treat condition that can sometimes be life-threatening.

Disclaimer: We have no position in AstraZeneca plc (ADR) (NYSE: AZN) and have not been compensated for this article.