Abbott announces results of phase-3 trial of Humira

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. — A large number of patients with a serious form of arthritis experienced improvement in their condition after taking a drug made by Abbott Labs for three months, according to results of a late-stage clinical trial announced Monday.



Abbott announced results of the phase-3 "ABILITY-1" study of Humira (adalimumab) in patients with active nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis, also known as AxSpA. AxSpA is a debilitating condition that causes inflammatory lower back pain and can be accompanied by such symptoms as arthritis and inflammation of the eye and gastrointestinal tract.



The primary goal of the trial was a 40% improvement in patients' condition according to the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society criteria, or ASAS. After 12 weeks, the number of patients taking Humira who reached this goal was twice that of patients taking placebo, the company said.

Interested in this topic? Sign up for our weekly Retail Health Provider e-newsletter.