Amgen arthritis drug wins U.S. okay for psoriasis
Key points
- Amgen Inc., the world's biggest biotechnology company, won U.S. approval on Friday to market its rheumatoid arthritis drug Enbrel for treating the skin disorder psoriasis.
- Food and Drug Administration spokeswoman said Enbrel had been approved for moderate to severe psoriasis, an inflammatory condition that causes red, scaly patches of skin and afflicts more than 7 million people in the United States.
- The injected drug has been sold for several years, in partnership with Wyeth, as a treatment for the painful joint disorder rheumatoid arthritis and a form of arthritis accompanied by psoriasis.
- Analysts have said approval for psoriasis could add $700 million to $800 million per year to U.S.
Amgen Inc., the world's biggest biotechnology company, won U.S. approval on Friday to market its rheumatoid arthritis drug Enbrel for treating the skin disorder psoriasis.
A U.S. Food and Drug Administration spokeswoman said Enbrel had been approved for moderate to severe psoriasis, an inflammatory condition that causes red, scaly patches of skin and afflicts more than 7 million people in the United States.
The injected drug has been sold for several years, in partnership with Wyeth, as a treatment for the painful joint disorder rheumatoid arthritis and a form of arthritis accompanied by psoriasis.
First quarter sales were $397 million. Analysts have said approval for psoriasis could add $700 million to $800 million per year to U.S. Enbrel sales.
Amgen officials could not immediately be reached for comment.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
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