UCB received CHMP backing for Cimzia in psoriatic arthritis

UCB has announced that its drug Cimzia has been recommended for European approval as a means of treating active psoriatic arthritis.

The European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has adopted a positive opinion on the approval of the drug in this specification, which would represent the third approved indication for Cimzia in the EU.

Data from the ongoing Rapid-PsA phase III trial has already demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the certolizumab pegol-based therapy in patients with adult onset active and progressive psoriatic arthritis.

A final decision from the European Commission is expected to be issued in around two months.

Professor Dr Iris Loew-Friedrich, chief medical officer and executive vice-president at UCB, said: "Results from the Rapid-PsA study supporting the positive opinion showed that treatment with Cimzia improved the clinical signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis … with a rapid onset of action."

This comes after the drug was approved in the same indication by the US Food and Drug Administration earlier this month.