Celltech Group plc -- Update on CDP 870 Clinical Development Programme
SLOUGH, U.K., Nov. 13, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Celltech Group plc (LSE:CCH) (NYSE:CLL) today announced an update on the clinical development programme for CDP 870, its PEGylated anti-TNF-alpha antibody fragment being developed in collaboration with Pfizer (NYSE: PFE - news) as a new treatment for Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In Crohn's disease, where Celltech (LSE: CCH.L - news - msgs) is responsible for CDP 870 development activities, a large Phase III clinical trial programme will be initiated in the next two weeks. In RA, two large Phase III clinical studies are ongoing and Pfizer has notified Celltech that Pfizer plans to postpone the initiation of remaining Phase III clinical trials pending the results of these two ongoing studies. This will result in a consequent delay in the RA development programme. Pfizer also has notified Celltech of its desire to renegotiate the financial terms of its collaboration with Celltech, originally established with Pharmacia in March 2001.
Celltech progressing CDP 870 as planned in Crohn's disease In Crohn's disease, the first of two pivotal registration studies will be initiated in the U.S. in the next two weeks, with the second study due to start in early 2004. These large studies, which are being run by Celltech, will provide the data, if successful, to support an independent registration in Crohn's disease in line with the originally envisaged timelines. In light of the delay to the RA programme, Celltech, with Pfizer's agreement, intends to file CDP 870 initially for registration in Crohn's disease....
(contd.) |
