Pfizer’s Xeljanz performs well in new clinical study

Pfizer has sponsored a new study assessing the potential benefits of its drug Xeljanz as part of a rheumatoid arthritis treatment regime.

Data from a study led by the US Albany Medical College in New York has been published in the Annals of Internal Medicine showing that the tofacitinib-based therapy can be effective in treating active rheumatoid arthritis when used in combination with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

The one-year study was carried out by a team led by Dr Joel Kremer, with a total of 792 patients involved in the research.

Those receiving Xeljanz experienced a rapid reduction in the signs and symptoms of the disease, resulting in enhanced physical function and reduced pain levels.

Nonbiologic DMARDs such as methotrexate are a commonly-used therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, but their effectiveness is unreliable, meaning demand for new treatment options is high.

Xeljanz is already available for use in the treatment of this disease in a number of countries, although the European Medicines Agency is yet to approve the product.