ZymoGenetics says Atacicept did not meet goals for advancing directly to late-stage testing

ZymoGenetics says RA drug misses advancement goals

SEATTLE — ZymoGenetics Inc. said Thursday that its drug candidate Atacicept did not meet goals that would have automatically advanced it to late-stage clinical testing as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

ZymoGenetics said its partner Merck Serono has not made a decision about whether the late-stage trials will be conducted.

Atacicept is also being tested as a treatment for lupus and multiple sclerosis.

ZymoGenetics shares closed Thursday at $6.47, up 5 cents, but lost 3 cents in after-hours trading.