September 4, 2009

Array’s arthritis drug fails in trial

BOULDER – Array BioPharma Inc.’s rheumatoid arthritis drug, ARRY-162, did not prove useful in a 12-week Phase 2 clinical trial that consisted of 201 patients.

The small molecule MEK inhibitor failed to show a statistically significant response rate in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis who had been taking methotrexate, a standard drug used to treat arthritis, and shown no benefit of taking that drug.

“While we are disappointed in the overall efficacy outcome, we were pleased with the confirmation of the favorable safety profile and are continuing to evaluate the regional results,” Kevin Koch, Array’s president and chief scientific officer, said in a statement.

Boulder-based Array (Nasdaq: ARRY) is also considering the drug for cancer treatment and is currently conducting a Phase 1 oncology trial.

Shares of Array stock dropped from $3.78 per share at close Thursday to $2.84 as of about noon Friday.

BOULDER – Array BioPharma Inc.’s rheumatoid arthritis drug, ARRY-162, did not prove useful in a 12-week Phase 2 clinical trial that consisted of 201 patients.

The small molecule MEK inhibitor failed to show a statistically significant response rate in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis who had been taking methotrexate, a standard drug used to treat arthritis, and shown no benefit of taking that drug.

“While we are disappointed in the overall efficacy outcome, we were pleased with the confirmation of the favorable safety profile and are continuing to evaluate the regional results,” Kevin Koch, Array’s president and chief scientific officer, said in…

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