Oral JAK inhibitor Smyraf approved in Japan for RA

26 March 2019

Smyraf (peficitinib hydrobromide) 50mg and 100mg tablets, an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, received manufacturing and marketing approval in Japan for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (including prevention of structural joint damage) in patients who have an inadequate response to conventional therapies.

Smyraf, which was discovered by Japan’s Astellas Pharma (TYO: 4503), suppresses activation and proliferation of inflammatory cells involved in synovial inflammation and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis patients by inhibiting various inflammatory cytokine signaling pathways.

News saw shares of Astellas, which filed for approval of the drug in Japan in May 2018, jump 3.25% to 1,684 yen by close of trading in Tokyo today

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