Johnson & Johnson (J&J; NYSE: JNJ), a leading U.S.-based healthcare company, has reportedly discontinued a mid-stage trial for its autoimmune drug Tremfya (guselkumab) in the treatment of giant cell arteritis, according to a report from BioSpace. An emailed statement from J&J cited “insufficient efficacy findings” as the reason for this decision.
Tremfya is a human monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to the p19 subunit of IL-23, disrupting IL-23 signaling pathways and potentially impacting inflammatory diseases. The Phase II THEIA study aimed to evaluate the percentage of patients achieving glucocorticoid-free remission as its primary endpoint. J&J emphasized in its statement that the decision to cease development for giant cell arteritis is “an indication-specific decision that does not impact other guselkumab development programs.”
Tremfya has already been approved to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in adults and generated USD 3.1 billion in sales during 2023. Other indications currently under development include ulcerative colitis and severe scalp psoriasis.- Flcube.com
