Pfizer reports positive trial data for new psoriasis therapy

Pfizer has presented detailed pooled results from two pivotal phase III studies that demonstrated the safety and efficacy of its new oral tofacitinib therapy for psoriasis.

Presented at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) annual meeting, the results illustrate the benefits tofacitinib citrate can offer in the treatment of adults with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.

Both the ten mg and five mg tablet doses, administered twice-daily, were shown to meet the co-primary efficacy endpoints of superiority over placebo at 16 weeks, while helping to enhance patients' quality of life.

Results from these trials will help to support the company's efforts to secure US regulatory approval for the drug to be used as a psoriasis therapy.

Dr Steve Romano, senior vice-president and head of global medicines development for Pfizer's global innovative pharmaceutical business, said: "We are excited about the data presented at AAD, as it adds to the body of evidence for oral tofacitinib in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis."

The drug is already marketed as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis under the brand name Xeljanz.