As of March 19, BMS was recruiting patients for a Phase II trial (NCT02265744) evaluating the safety and efficacy of lulizumab versus placebo in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus over 24 weeks, according to ClinicalTrials.gov. BMS also had no fewer than five immunoscience Phase I compounds in its pipeline as of July 10, 2014, according to its website. Novo Nordisk disclosed in September 2014 it was retreating from inflammatory disorders R&D, following the failure of NN8226 in a Phase IIb study assessing the anti-IL-20 monoclonal antibody for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Last week, Novo Nordisk deputy chief executive Kaare Schultz told Reuters that the company expected diabetes to account for 80% to 90% of its sales in 10 years, up from the current 79%: "This is the key focus for the company and we see strength in staying focused." The new licensing agreement is Novo Nordisk's fifth R&D partnership with BMS.