Amgen and Pfizer report positive Enbrel trial data

Amgen and Pfizer have published clinical trial data highlighting the efficacy of their drug Enbrel in delivering improved scalp involvement among plaque psoriasis patients.

Results from the phase IV study showed that the drug was able to meet its primary endpoint over the course of 12 weeks, during which the performance of Enbrel was compared to placebo.

In addition, the treatment was shown to deliver improvements from baseline in accordance with the Psoriasis Area Severity Index, while three-quarters of patients expressed satisfaction with the therapy.

Dr Jerry Bagel, medical director for the Psoriasis Treatment Center of Central New Jersey and the study's lead author, noted that scalp involvement among sufferers of the condition can often lead to embarrassment.

He added: "This data reinforces the efficacy and safety profile of Enbrel for adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis with scalp involvement."

Last month, Amgen announced a new alliance with Xencor to develop a new treatment for inflammatory autoimmune diseases.