ZymoGenetics' partner Merck Serono gets FDA nod for lupus trial

Jan 15 (Reuters) - ZymoGenetics Inc (ZGEN.O) said its partner Merck Serono, German drugmaker Merck KGaA's (MRCG.DE) affiliate, received approval from U.S. health regulators for the design of a late-stage lupus trial testing the drug atacicept.

The drug is already in another late-stage trial for lupus nephritis, ZymoGenetics said in a statement.

ZymoGenetics said Merck Serono is the sponsor for both clinical studies. (Reporting by Varsha Tickoo in Bangalore; Editing by Himani Sarkar)