Eisai and Abbott submit Humira application

Eisai, together with its pharmaceutical research and development partner Abbott, has submitted an application for the acceptance of the Chrohn’s Disease drug Humira (Adalimumab).

The fully-human monoclonal anti-TNF-a antibody was developed by the two firms and if authorised, it will be the third indication for the treatment.

It has previously been approved for use in arthritis patients and is currently under review as a treatment for psoriasis vulgaris and psoriatic arthritis.

The monoclonal antibody neutralises the activity of tumour necrosis factor alpha, or TNF-a, which is a protein responsible for inflammatory reactions in patients with autoimmune conditions.

Abbott has the rights to market and distribute Humira and is working alongside Eisai to promote the therapy in a one-brand, one-channel, two-promotion mode.

In other Eisai news, the firm announced this week that it has resolved a disagreement with Pfizer that arose during a partnership established in 1994 for the development of Alzheimer’s disease treatment Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride).