FDA approves rheumatoid arthritis treatment

ATLANTA The Food and Drug Administration has approved a biotech drug for adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis.

UCB announced the approval of Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) based on clinical trials in which patients took the drug with Barr Labs’ Trexall (methotrexate) and experienced a significant reduction in the signs and symptoms of RA after 24 weeks, with some showing clinical responses within one or two weeks, compared with Trexall alone.

“The approval of Cimzia for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in the U.S. is a major milestone for UCB and, most importantly, for people seeking a new treatment option to manage this debilitating condition,” UCB CEO Roch Doliveux stated. “UCB is committed to developing new therapies, such as Cimzia, to help meet the needs of patients living with rheumatoid arthritis and other immune diseases.”