UCB showcases new research at neurology congress demonstrating robust pipeline

Pharma News: UCB’s new data representing three neurological areas will be presented at the 73^rd American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting, from 17-22 April 2021. 

Spanning across epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease, nine posters being presented at this year’s virtual meeting will highlight the latest scientific and clinical developments, as well as a patient-led analysis to demonstrate the experience of living with myasthenia gravis (MG).

During this year’s virtual AAN annual meeting, UCB will build on its heritage in epilepsy by presenting the latest data to further describe the safety and tolerability of long-term treatment with BRIVIACT (brivaracetam) CV for focal seizures.

Two abstracts will also highlight data from the open-label ARTEMIS-2 trial for NAYZILAM (midazolam) nasal spray CIV, for the acute treatment of intermittent, stereotypic episodes of frequent seizure activity that are distinct from a patient’s usual seizure pattern in patients with epilepsy 12 years of age and older. This will be supplemented by a systemic review of real-world studies designed to better understand the behavioural adverse events which accompany common anti-seizure medications, and a population study which examined the underlying cause and extent of treatment delays for individuals with epilepsy.

“At UCB, we are driven by science to translate patient insights into unique, disease-modifying solutions that provide value and transform the patient experience. Optimising patient experiences with our company and our medicines is integral to everything we do,” said Charl Van Zyl, Executive Vice President Neurology & Head of Europe/International Markets at UCB. “We are excited to showcase the scale and passion of our commitment at AAN. We are building on our legacy and expertise in epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease by expanding our leadership and capabilities in new areas, and further cultivating our patient-centric culture.”

UCB is also focused on understanding the perspective of patients living with rare diseases, such as MG, and how it impacts day-to-day life. To this end, UCB convened an international patient council comprising nine individuals living with MG who serve as local/national patient advocates in seven countries. This patient-led analysis provides important insights into the reality of living with MG and will enable healthcare professionals to improve their understanding and management of their patients living with MG.

“Despite thousands of people across the world living with the unpredictable and, in many cases, debilitating impact of MG, there is still relatively little research describing true lived experiences faced by the MG patient community, from their perspective,” explained Nancy Law, former CEO and current Board Chair for the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, and co-author of the abstract.

She continued “Most of the current data are about others’ perception of patient lived experience. It is heartening that in accepting this data for presentation at their meeting, the American Academy of Neurology has recognized the importance of healthcare professionals truly understanding the perspectives of patients on their experiences. Patient collaborations, such as this one with the pharmaceutical industry, have potential to raise the patient voice and build better understanding about this rare neuromuscular disease.”

Finally, UCB will also present the latest findings in its research pipeline, by highlighting the early safety and tolerability data for its investigational molecule in Parkinson’s disease, UCB0599.