EU approval for biosimilar etanercept to treat multiple inflammatory diseases

The European Commission has approved Erelzi (biosimilar etanercept) for use in Europe for the treatment of multiple inflammatory diseases.

Developed by Sandoz, the generics and biosimilars business of Swiss pharma giant Novartis (NOVN: VX), Erelzi is approved for use in all indications of the reference medicine, US biotech major Amgen (Nasdaq: AMGN) and Pfizer’s (NYSE: PFE) Enbrel. Ex-North America sales of Enbrel by Pfizer came in at $588 million in the first quarter of this year, down 20%.

“Immunology is a priority for us and today’s approval of Erelzi, the second in this therapy area in as many weeks, clearly demonstrates our commitment to patients. This can also be seen in the progress we are making in our immunology pipeline with two recent file acceptances in Europe” said Carol Lynch, global head, Biopharmaceuticals, at Sandoz, adding: “As part of the wider Novartis immunology portfolio, Erelzi further expands the offering to healthcare professionals and patients in Europe. Its availability is expected to result in more patients being treated with much-needed biologics.”