Lilly stock climbs on positive arthritis drug test

  • Comments
  • Print
Listen to this story

Subscriber Benefit

As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
This audio file is brought to you by
0:00
0:00
Loading audio file, please wait.
  • 0.25
  • 0.50
  • 0.75
  • 1.00
  • 1.25
  • 1.50
  • 1.75
  • 2.00

A potential rheumatoid arthritis treatment from drugmakers Eli Lilly and Co. and Incyte Corp. fared better than another drug in late-stage testing, and the drugmakers are moving closer to seeking regulatory approval to sell it.

Lilly said Tuesday that early results from a study that enrolled about 600 patients showed that its oral medication, baricitinib, proved superior to the established treatment methotrexate. The drugmakers are conducting several late-stage studies of baricitinib, which aims to treat patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis.

The companies expect early results from a fourth late-stage study later this year, and a Lilly spokeswoman said they plan to submit the drug to the Food and Drug Administration before the end of 2015.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints and destroys soft tissue, cartilage and bone. It represents a major area of research for drug companies because it is chronic, meaning patients will likely take the drugs regularly for a long time.

Earlier this year, BMO Capital analyst Alex Arfaei predicted baricitinib could achieve $1.3 billion in annual sales by 2023.

Indianapolis-based Lilly bought the potential drug from Incyte in 2009 and is leading its development and the push to get it approved. Lilly will give Wilmington, Delaware-based Incyte milestone payments and royalties tied to annual sales if the drug is approved.

Lilly shares rose $1.45, or 1.8 percent, Tuesday morning, to $81.22 each. Incyte shares rose 5.4 percent, to $100.31.

Please enable JavaScript to view this content.

Story Continues Below

Editor's note: You can comment on IBJ stories by signing in to your IBJ account. If you have not registered, please sign up for a free account now. Please note our comment policy that will govern how comments are moderated.

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In