Amgen’s psoriasis drug reaches phase III targets

Amgen has moved a step closer to bringing its new treatment for psoriasis to market, revealing the drug has reached its key phase III trial goals.

According to data from the late-stage study, patients given the ABP 501 treatment experienced a similar improvement in their disease – as measured by the psoriasis area and severity index – to those taking AbbVie's Humira over the course of 16 weeks.

While specific details have not been released, Amgen noted the drug demonstrated comparable safety and immunogenicity to Humira in what is the first of two phase III trials that will form the basis of global regulatory submissions for the treatment.

Humira has been approved in a number of markets for a wide range of indications and currently brings in around $10.7 billion (£6.54 billion) per year for AbbVie. As a result, it is a very attractive biosimilar target. 

However, Amgen is likely to face significant competition for this market share, with Sandoz's Humira biosimilar entering phase III trials in December 2013.