La Jolla starts LJP 394 Phase III

LJPC began Phase III testing of LJP 394 carrier plus epitope that binds to double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies on B cells to treat lupus. The placebo-controlled study in North America and Europe will enroll 300 lupus patients with a history of kidney disease. Patients will receive weekly 100 mg doses of the product or placebo, and the study will examine LJP 394's ability to prevent or delay renal flares, reduce the need for high-dose corticosteroids and chemotherapy and improve quality of life. LJPC said that the efficacy analysis will focus on patients with high-affinity antibodies for LJP 394. ...