AbbVie adds EU approval for potential blockbuster psoriasis drug
AbbVie’s latest approval for Skyrizi (risankizumab), an interleukin-23 inhibitor, means that the treatment is now approved in Japan, Canada, US, and Europe.
US approval was granted last week, for the same indication, and the company is continuing to explore the potential for Skyrizi to be utilised in multiple inflammatory diseases including, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, atopic dermatitis, and psoriatic arthritis.
Michael Severino, vice chairman and president of AbbVie, said, “The results seen in our clinical studies, including high levels of complete skin clearance with 12-week dosing and a favourable safety profile, suggest Skyrizi has the potential to provide long-term relief from the signs and symptoms of psoriasis.”
Clinical trial results saw 80% of patients who achieved clear skin using the treatment maintained these results for one year.
The treatment itself is delivered via two subcutaneous injections every 12 weeks, following on from two initiation doses in the first month.
For AbbVie, the approvals in major global markets will be a boost as it looks to bolster its position within immunology, as biosimilars erode Humira (adalimumab) sales in Europe and with it facing patent expiration in the major US market.
