We have been following the development of tofacitinib for some time. In August, we reported that the FDA had pushed back their decision on the New Drug Application to November. On November 6, 2012, the FDA announced it has approved the drug for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate. Tofacitinib, which is manufactured by Pfizer, has been given the brand name Xeljanz.
Xeljanz (tofacitinib), classified as a JAK inhibitor, can be taken alone or in combination with methotrexate or other non-biologic DMARDs. Xeljanz should not be used with biologic drugs. It also should not be used with azathioprine or cyclosporine. Check back soon for more information about Xeljanz.
Related Articles:
- Tofacitinib Recommended for FDA Approval to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis - May 2012
- Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis - What You Need to Know
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Thanks for the information Carol, this is a major innovation for the treatment of RA. Given compliance issues for therapies requiring injections, I believe this new orally dosed drug will help a lot of people.