Research on XELJANZ to be featured at EULAR 2016

Pfizer recently announced that several studies and analyses for its tofacitinib citrate (XELJANZ) treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were featured at the European League Against Rheumatism Annual Congress (EULAR 2016).

The medication has been approved to treat moderate to severe forms of RA. It has not been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The EMA is currently reviewing a marketing authorization application from the company.

“The data being presented at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2016) provides important information to help guide physicians on treatment approaches for tofacitinib citrate in rheumatoid arthritis (RA),” Dr. Roy Fleischmann, clinical professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, said “For years, combination therapy has been the standard of care for treating RA. However, the monotherapy data reinforces the use of tofacitinib citrate as an oral option for patients to manage their RA without the need for methotrexate.”

A total of 23 abstracts were to be presented during EULAR 2016 event that took place until June 11 in London.

RA is typically identified by pain and swelling in joints located in the knees, hands and feet. There is not an exact cause that is known. The condition is considered an autoimmune disease because the immune system attacks healthy tissues because it mistakes this for threatening matter in those with RA.