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Development of atacicept for lupus in patients with SLE is discontinued
A phase 2/3 trial of atacicept in combination with mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids for the treatment of lupus nephritis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus has been discontinued.
In October 2008, Merck Serono announced that a phase 2/3 trial of atacicept in combination with mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids for the treatment of lupus nephritis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was being discontinued because patients treated with this regimen experienced an increased risk of severe infection. The manufacturer stated that this increased risk of infection was probably the result of underlying disease activity and corticosteroid-induced immunosuppression. Trials of atacicept for generalized SLE, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), and hematologic malignancies are continuing as planned.
Employers Face Barriers With Adopting Biosimilars
March 1st 2022Despite the promise of savings billions of dollars in the United States, adoption of biosimilars has been slow. A roundtable discussion among employers highlighted some of the barriers, including formulary design and drug pricing and rebates.
