Biopharmaceutical company Cephalon has announced that it will license worldwide rights for a new treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus.

Recent phase IIb trials showed that 200 mcg of Lupuzor being administered every four weeks to patients had a positive effect when compared to a placebo.

Commenting on the findings, Frank Baldino, Cephalon's chairman and chief executive officer, said: "These study results are encouraging and bring us one step closer to providing the first specific medication for the treatment of lupus to patients living with this chronic, potentially life-threatening disease."

The phase IIb study was carried out by ImmuPharma, which could go on to receive royalties should Lupuzor be developed commercially.

Dr Lesley Russell, Cephalon's executive vice-president and chief medical officer, said that the company would "initiate plans" regarding the implementation of phase III trials later this year.

Lupus is characterised by acute and chronic inflammation of a number of different types of tissue in the body.

Patients produce abnormal antibodies in their blood that target their own body's tissues rather than any infections.

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