LONDON (Alliance News) - GlaxoSmithKline PLC said Tuesday its company Stiefel has started a phase III study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous ofatumumab for the treatment of autoimmune skin disorder pemphigus vulgaris.
The disorder typically occurs between the ages of 30 and 60, and leads to patients developing burn-like blisters, which can first appear in the mouth and then on the skin.
"The initiation of this study is an important step towards providing a potential new treatment option for patients suffering from this painful and potentially debilitating skin disease,? said Stiefel Senior Vice President and Head of Research and Development Kathy Rouan.
The study will determine the level of disease remission after treatment with the compound as an add-on to oral steroids compared to a placebo as an add-on treatment.
Shares in Glaxo are trading down 1.6% at 1,410.90 pence Tuesday morning.
By Hana Stewart-Smith; hanassmith@alliancenews.com; @HanaSSAllNews
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