Nektar Advanced Polymer Conjugate Technology Used in Cimzia(R) Through Exclusive Nektar-UCB Collaboration
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nektar Therapeutics (Nasdaq: NKTR) confirmed today UCB's announcement that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Cimzia(R) (certolizumab pegol), the only PEGylated anti-TNFa (Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha), for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. Cimzia(R) utilizes Nektar's polymer conjugate technology through an exclusive Nektar-UCB collaboration.
It is estimated that 5 million people suffer from RA globally. In the United States alone, an estimated 1.3 million people have the disease. Prevalence is not split evenly between genders, since women are three times more likely to be affected than men. Although RA can affect people of all ages, the onset of the disease usually occurs between 35-55 years of age.
Under the terms of the agreement between Nektar and UCB, Nektar receives manufacturing revenues during research, clinical development, and commercialization of Cimzia(R). Nektar also receives royalties on end product sales.
About Cimzia(R)
Cimzia(R) is the only PEGylated anti-TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor). Cimzia(R) has a high affinity for human TNF-alpha, selectively neutralizing the pathophysiological effects of TNF-alpha. Over the past decade, TNF-alpha has emerged as a major target of basic research and clinical investigation. This cytokine plays a key role in mediating pathological inflammation, and excess TNF-alpha production has been directly implicated in a wide variety of diseases. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Cimzia(R) for reducing signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease and maintaining clinical response in adult patients with moderate to severe active disease who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy and for the treatment of adults with moderate to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. Cimzia(R) was approved in Switzerland for induction of a clinical response and for the maintenance of a clinical response and remission in patients with active Crohn's disease who have not responded adequately to conventional treatment in September 2007. UCB is also developing Cimzia(R) in other autoimmune disease indications. Cimzia(R) is a registered trademark of UCB PHARMA S.A.
About Nektar
Nektar Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics based on its PEGylation and advanced polymer conjugation technology platforms.
