Amgen and
UCB have commenced a phase III clinical trial programme for CDP7851/AMG 785,
their new sclerostin antibody treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
The scheme will involve an international placebo-controlled two-year study involving more than 5,000 patients, with the primary endpoint being a reduction in the incidence of vertebral fractures at 12 months.
The scheme will involve an international placebo-controlled two-year study involving more than 5,000 patients, with the primary endpoint being a reduction in the incidence of vertebral fractures at 12 months.
CDP7851/AMG 785 functions by binding to and blocking sclerostin, a protein that inhibits bone formation, thus helping to increase the amount of bone in the skeleton.
Initial results from the study are expected by the end of 2015, with the companies hoping that the drug can offer new hope for the more than 75 million people worldwide currently suffering from osteoporosis.
Dr Sean Harper, executive vice president of research and development at Amgen, said: "Despite available osteoporosis therapies, there remains a significant need for additional treatment options that form new bone in women diagnosed with postmenopausal osteoporosis."
This comes in the same week that Amgen announced a new alliance with AstraZeneca, which will focus on the development of new inflammation therapies.
