First Humira biosimilar approved in Europe
The European Commission has approved Amgevita, a biosimilar to adalimumab (Humira), for all of its available indications.
Amgevita is authorised for the treatment of certain inflammatory diseases in adults including moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, severe active ankylosing spondylitis, severe axial spondyloarthritis and some forms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
The approval means that people in the UK currently on Humira are likely to have their medication switched to the biosimilar version. Biosimilars are much cheaper than biologics, so look set to save funds for a cash-strapped NHS.
“The approval of our first biosimilar by the European Commission is a major milestone not just for Amgen as a company, but for the millions of patients with chronic inflammatory diseases who need alternative treatment options,” says Dr Sean E. Harper from Amgen. “In addition, Amgevita holds the potential to offer patients with chronic inflammatory diseases an additional treatment option. This milestone exemplifies our ongoing dedication to the development of high-quality biologic medicines.”
Amgevita was approved in the United States last year.
Contact the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society with any concerns.
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