In Phase II trials, clinicians evaluate the efficacy of a potential drug for the first time in patients with the target disease. In Phase II, clinicians also gather additional safety information and evaluate the first data on which dose of a potential drug produces the best response.
Veltuzumab
Saber™-bupivacaine
| Project |
Veltuzumab is a CD20 antibody that targets B-cells, which play an important role in autoimmune diseases. |
| Medical need |
Current standard CD20 therapy is based on a chimeric mouse antibody and administered intravenously. Veltuzumab is a humanised monocloncal antibody, subcutaneously applied, which could potentially improve tolerability and ease of use. |
| Therapeutic area |
Inflammation
Nycomed is developing veltuzumab in rheumatoid arthritis as the primary indication. |
| Partner |
Immunomedics
Under the agreement with Immunomedics, Nycomed received the exclusive, worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialise the subcutaneous formulation of veltuzumab for the treatment of all non-cancer indications. |
| News |
14.07.2008: Nycomed adds veltuzumab for autoimmune diseases to R&D pipeline |
| Project |
Saber ™-bubivacaine (Optesia®) is a long-acting local anaesthetic being developed for the treatment of post-surgical pain. Bupivacaine blocks sensory nerve impulse conduction to the brain’s cortex and is slowly released from the administered drug to provide long-lasting pain relief. |
| Medical need |
At present, there is no standard regimen for post-operative pain treatment. Pain management is generally achieved with a combination of different drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol, opioids, wound infiltration and nerve blocks administered via different routes. |
| Therapeutic area |
Pain / incisional pain |
| Partner |
Durect Corporation
Optesia is being jointly developed by Nycomed and Durect. Nycomed has the commercial rights for Europe, Russia, CIS, Australia and a number of Latin American and Asian countries. |
| News |
29.11.2006: Nycomed and Durect Corporation announce licensing agreement on Posidue™ (Saber™-bupivacaine) |