Amgen attains global rights to Otezla.

Amgen has announced it now has the rights to the only oral, non-biologic treatment for moderate to severe psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis called Otezla (apremilast), already approved in Europe, Japan, and the US.

Otezla is a vital treatment in the pre biologic, post topical section in its accepted indications in the US, including the treatment of adult patients with psoriatic arthritis, oral ulcers in adult patients linked with Behçet’s Disease, and patients with plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Amgen, Robert A. Bradway, stated: “As the prevalence of chronic inflammatory diseases increases worldwide, Otezla represents a unique opportunity to further Amgen’s mission of bringing innovative medicines to patients, while building on our long-standing expertise in inflammation. We look forward to working with the dedicated professionals joining us from Celgene to help realize the global potential of Otezla as an important option for patients. This move also provides Amgen with an important strategic product offering new opportunities for growth and serving patients.”