Abbott’s Humira awarded with Galen Prize

Humira (adalimumab) has been awarded the 2007 Galen Prize for Best Biotechnology Product with the drug recognised as the first approved fully human antibody.

Abbott’s Humira is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and moderate to severe Crohn’s disease as well as currently undergoing clinical trials for evaluating its potential in other immune-mediated diseases.

The Galen Prize is regarded as one of the highest accolades in the pharmaceutical and biomedical industry and is often compared to the Nobel Prize.

Intended to recognise excellence in medical and scientific research and innovation, this is the first year that the Galen prize has been expanded to honour scientific innovation from US companies specifically.

“Abbott is extremely honoured to be a Galen Prize recipient, as it recognises our diligence in the discovery and development of innovative treatments for immunologic diseases,” said John Leonard president of global medical and scientific affairs at Abbott.

“Humira has become an important treatment option for many patients dealing with these diseases,” he added.

Earlier this year, Abbott’s Humira received positive results presented at the European League Against Rheumatism revealing that the drug allowed rheumatoid arthritis patients to stay working for longer.