Abbott highlights Humira use for ankylosing spondylitis

Abbott Laboratories has emphasised the effectiveness of Humira, its best-selling anti-tumour necrosis factor drug, in treating ankylosing spondylitis.

Ankylosing spondylitits is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the spine and surrounding joints, sometimes causing vertebrae to be fused together. In severe cases, the entire spine can become fused, severely restricting movement in the process.

Humira is one treatment for the disease and the drug was approved by the FDA for this indication earlier this week, on the back of strong clinical trial data.

The trial, conducted in Europe and the United States, demonstrated the value of Humira in reducing pain and inflammation in patients after 12 weeks.

Jane Bruckel, co-founder and executive director of the Spondylitis Assocattion of America, remarked: “Medications like Humira represent another option in the way we treat ankylosing spondylitis, a painful and potentially disabling disease that tends to strike mostly young adults.”

Humira, which received European approval for severe ankylosing spondylitis in June, is an “important milestone” for Abbott, according to Rebecca Hoffman, divisional vice-president of immunology development.

She stated: “With its proven efficacy and established safety profile and the convenience of every other week self-administered dosing, Humira offers an outstanding treatment option for the diverse patient populations who suffer from these conditions.”

Humira was developed by Cambridge Antibody Technology, which is currently in the process of being bought by AstraZeneca. The royalties for Humira will then be paid to AstraZeneca on completion of the takeover.

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