UCB’s psoriatic arthritis treatment launches in UK and Ireland

UCB's Cimzia treatment for patients suffering from inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis has been launched in the UK and Ireland.

Delivered in combination with methotrexate, the drug – which is also known under its chemical name certolizumab pegol – is used to treat the condition in adults who have demonstrated an inadequate response to prior therapy with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. 

The condition affects visible areas of the skin, as well as the joints, and is estimated to affect more than 150,000 people in England and Wales. 

Dr Stefan Siebert, a senior lecturer in rheumatology at the University of Glasgow and honorary consultant rheumatologist NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: "Patients with psoriatic arthritis always tell me it affects many components of their lives in terms of quality of life, social dealings, ability to work and function as well as psychological well-being."

In clinical trials of the drug, participants were said to experience a "rapid improvement" in the symptoms of the condition. It is delivered via an injection, but can be self-administered after a period of training.