Abbott welcomes new indication for Humira

Abbot has welcomed the expanded indication of Humira (adalimuamb) for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Humira, developed by British-based Cambridge Antibody Technology, has been approved for the improvement of physical function and inhibiting of structural joint damage in sufferers of PsA.

The adalimuamb effectiveness in psoriatic arthritis phase III trial of patients who had displayed a poor response to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug treatment found that those taking Humira exhibited considerably lower joint damage than the placebo group, with patients also showing enhanced physical function measured by the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index.

Gail Zimmerman, president and chief executive officer of the National Psoriasis Foundation, said: “Psoriatic arthritis can be debilitating for many people, hindering everyday activities. For these people and others, the new indication for Humira is welcome new to our community.”

The drug has already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the US for the treatment of patients with active ankylosing spondylitis and severe rheumatoid arthritis.

Last month, phase III clinical trial data showed that treatment with Humira resulted in improved rates of clinical remission of Crohn’s disease when compared with a placebo in patients who had lost response or are intolerant to infliximab.