AbbVie receives FDA blessing for new Rinvoq indication

The Food and Drug Administration has given AbbVie the green light for Rinvoq (upadacitinib; 15 mg, once daily) for the treatment of adults with active psoriatic arthritis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more tumor necrosis factor blockers.

"The efficacy of Rinvoq in relieving the many manifestations of psoriatic arthritis is well-characterized in two large, long term clinical studies," said Michael Severino, vice chairman and president, AbbVie. "This new approval underscores our mission to deliver a portfolio of therapies that can help more people with rheumatic diseases achieve disease control."

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"Many adults still struggle to find a treatment option that helps them lower their disease activity," said Iain McInnes, professor of medicine and Versus Arthritis professor of rheumatology at University of Glasgow, U.K., and lead investigator of the SELECT-PsA 1 trial. "With this FDA approval, Rinvoq has the potential to help more people find meaningful relief from the signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis that they see and feel and to help reach their treatment goals."

Rinvoq15 mg previously is indicated for adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more TNF blockers.

[Read more: AbbVie gets FDA nod for Rinvoq]