Celltech Group, Merck autoimmune/inflammation data

Based on results from a series of Phase IIa studies investigating the effect of CDP 840 on asthma, the companies decided not to pursue further development of the selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) IV inhibitor.

Results from three initial studies in 54 patients, reported in December, showed that oral treatment for 10 days achieved a statistically significant inhibition in late phase allergic responses. In a further study at a higher, undisclosed dose, 31 patients were treated for 10 days. The treatment effect wasn't sufficient to justify further development, the companies said. ...