By DAN MCGOWAN
Writer/Reporter, Inside Indiana Business

A potential rheumatoid arthritis treatment being co-developed by Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co. and Incyte Corp. continues to return positive results in late-stage testing.

In a recent phase-three global study, Lilly says baricitinib met its primary endpoint. The results have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Lilly’s Terence Rooney, who is senior medical director for baricitinib, says “the findings from the RA-BEACON study suggest treatment with baricitinib is associated with meaningful improvements in RA symptoms. The baricitinib clinical development program includes a wide range of patients across the RA treatment spectrum. If approved, baricitinib may be a valuable option for rheumatologists and patients who are looking for new alternatives to treat this debilitating disease.”

The collaboration between the companies on development and commercialization of baricitinib began in 2009. It involves exclusive worldwide licensing of the once-daily oral treatment. Baricitinib is currently under regulatory review for treating patients with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis.

Source: Inside Indiana Business