Isis drops ISIS-CRPRx for RA, continues for AF

Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ISIS) discontinued development of ISIS-CRPRx to treat rheumatoid arthritis after data from a Phase II trial showed the compound did not significantly improve signs and symptoms of RA as measured by ACR20 and ACR50 response rates vs. placebo. Isis said patients receiving placebo showed a "higher than expected" response in both symptom score and C-reactive protein (CRP) reduction. The double-blind trial enrolled 51 RA patients with chronically elevated CRP levels. ISIS-CRPRx is a second-generation antisense inhibitor that targets CRP. Data from the Phase II ASET trial evaluating ISIS-CRPRx to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) are expected in 1H14. ...