Teva lupus drug fails in clinical trial

NEW YORK, Sept 19 (Reuters) - Israel's Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd (TEVA.O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) said on Wednesday that its experimental treatment for lupus failed to meet the goal of a mid-stage clinical trial.

The drug, edratide, administered by subcutaneous weekly injection, appeared to be safe and well-tolerated but failed to reduce lupus disease activity over a 26-week treatment period, Teva said.

Analysis of secondary goals of the 340-patient study was still ongoing, Teva said. The company said any further development plans for edratide will be determined once those analyses have been completed. (Reporting by Bill Berkrot)