Xoma diabetes antibody positive after one dose

Xoma diabetes antibody positive after one dose
September 8, 2008
By John Carroll

Xoma is touting early-stage data that demonstrates a single dose of XOMA 052 was enough to improve blood sugar control among type 2 diabetes patients. If the antibody holds up under extensive scrutiny, it could lead the way to a single monthly dose for diabetics. The drug blocks interleukin-1 beta, a protein that triggers inflammation. Interim data from two Phase I trials recorded reduced levels of HbA1c in four of five dose level groups.

"XOMA 052 is the first anti-IL-1 beta specific drug to demonstrate biological activity against diabetes and inflammation in Type 2 diabetes patients," said Marc Y. Donath, M.D., professor at the University Hospital of Zurich and European clinical trial principal investigator. "Bearing in mind that HbA1c reflects average blood glucose over a three month period, these levels of early reduction are particularly encouraging."

Please visit the website for more information.

© 2008 FierceMarkets, Inc.