New data confirms Erelzi biosimilar matches efficacy and safety reference RA biologic

Swiss pharma giant Novartis’ (NOVN: VX) generics and biosimilars division Sandoz has released positive new results from the EQUIRA study.

The Phase III comparative safety and efficacy study shows that Sandoz biosimilar Erelzi (etanercept-szzs) matches the reference medicine Enbrel, from US biotech major Amgen (Nasdaq: AMGN) and Pfizer’s (NYSE: PFE), in terms of efficacy and safety profile in patients with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inadequate response to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) over 24 weeks. The results will be officially presented at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Annual Meeting in San Diego, USA, on Tuesday.

“Approximately 1.3 million adults in the US are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and its impact on the patient and the healthcare system is significant since rheumatic conditions are amongst the leading cause of disability in adults,” said Mark Levick, global head of development, Biopharmaceuticals, Sandoz. “These study results confirm findings from our initial development program demonstrating that Erelzi has the potential to expand access for patients with immunological diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, and offers an important new biologic treatment option to healthcare professionals and payors,” Dr Levick added.