Biogen and UCB drug for the treatment of systemic lupus records positive study results

Biogen and UCB announced Tuesday that an experimental drug reduced disease activity and symptoms of systemic lupus, meeting the primary goal of a placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial.

Detailed study results were not included in the company's press release. The extent to which the participants benefited from the drug called dapirolizumab pegol will only become clear when the data is presented at a medical conference.

Nevertheless, the positive result is likely to be welcomed by investors given the drug's mixed history. A 2018 Phase 2 trial of “Dapi” in systemic lupus was negative, although Biogen and UCB saw enough evidence of an effect of the treatment to continue investing in the drug.