BRIEF—Canada approves Otezla MA transfer to Celgene

Today, the Canadian subsidiary of US biotech giant Amgen announced Health Canada's approval of the Marketing Authorization transfer of Otezla (apremilast) from Celgene.

This transfer is in line with Amgen’s previously announced acquisition of the worldwide rights to Otezla in November 2019.

Divestment of the treatment for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis was a condition for the go-ahead of Celgene’s $74 billion acquisition by Bristol-Myers Squibb, and for which Amgen paid $13.4 billion.

The acquisition of Otezla complements Amgen Canada's existing portfolio of innovative biologics and biosimilar products and is a strong strategic fit with Amgen Canada's long-standing expertise in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and active psoriatic arthritis, the company said.