Pfizer’s Xeljanz receives European approval for rheumatoid arthritis

Pfizer has announced that its drug Xeljanz has been approved in Europe as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

The European Commission has approved Xeljanz oral tablets for use in combination with methotrexate for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients who cannot benefit from the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. 

It can also be given as monotherapy in cases of intolerance to methotrexate, or in other cases when treatment with the latter is inappropriate. This approval was based on positive data from clinical trials, as well as real-world study findings.

The Xeljanz development programme includes more than eight years of safety data from long-term extension studies, representing more than 21,100 patient-years of drug exposure to date.

Angela Lukin, regional president for inflammation and immunology at Pfizer Innovative Health, said: "The approval of Xeljanz in Europe demonstrates Pfizer's ongoing commitment to developing medicines that address unmet needs for people living with chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis."

EU approval means Xeljanz will now be available for use in more than 80 countries worldwide.

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