Singapore - Ablynx’ vobarilizumab has failed to hit targets in a mid-stage trial assessing its safety and effectiveness as a treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

The Phase II STEADY trial did not meet the primary endpoint of dose response based on the modified BILAG (British Isles Lupus Assessment Group) based combined lupus assessment (mBICLA) at Week 24.

On the plus side, safety findings from the trial were positive, with treatment-related serious adverse events reported in 2 percent of all vobarilizumab treated patients compared to 6.5 percent in the placebo group.

In September 2013, the group signed a global exclusive option licensing deal with AbbVie for the development and commercialisation of the drug in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and SLE. AbbVie will review the complete data set when available from the Phase II STEADY SLE study to determine whether to exercise its option to license vobarilizumab.