Health Canada approves psoriasis drug Siliq

14 March 2018

Medicines regulator Health Canada granted its approval for Siliq (brodalumab) injection, for subcutaneous use, a monoclonal antibody that targets the interleukin (IL)-17 receptor for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

News of the approval sent shares of the drug’s marketer, Canada-headquartered Valeant Pharmaceuticals International (TSX: VRX), 4.8% higher to $16.85. Valeant expects to commence sales and marketing of Siliq in the Canada in the second half of 2018. The drug was approved in the USA in February 2017.

"We believe Siliq fulfills a significant unmet medical need with its potential to improve the quality of life for many patients across Canada who suffer from moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis," said Richard Lajoie, president of Valeant Canada, adding: "Our team's success in bringing to market this important treatment for people who live with this debilitating, incurable condition demonstrates our commitment to Valeant's mission of improving people's lives with our healthcare products."

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