Merck KGaA initiates Phase III trial of Humira (adalimumab) biosimilar MSB 11022 to treat psoriasis
Merck KGaA announced the initiation of a global phase III clinical study of MSB 11022, a biosimilar of adalimumab, in chronic plaque psoriasis.
The AURIEL-Psoriasis (PsO) study is a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trial evaluating the efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of Merck’s adalimumab biosimilar candidate MSB 11022 compared with the brand Humira (adalimumab) in patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis. Humira is marketed globally by AbbVie. The study is expected to recruit approximately 400 patients across Europe, Asia and North and Central America.
Comment: Amgen, Sandoz, Boehringer Ingelheim and Merck (US) with Samsung Bioepis are all planning to launch their own biosimilar versions of adalimumab. In India in 2014, a Humira biosimilar was launched by the Indian company Zydus Cadila.
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