Genentech and Biogen Idec’s Phase II/III study of Rituxan for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) did not meet its primary endpoint of a major clinical response (MCR) or partial clinical response (PCR), compared to placebo at 52 weeks. The study also did not meet any of the six secondary endpoints. The companies have a separate ongoing late-stage study in lupus nephritis, an inflammation of the kidneys, and results from that study are expected in 1Q2009.      “We are disappointed in the ...