FDA Approves Pfizer’s Xeljanz To Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

The Food and Drug Administration Nov. 6 approved Xeljanz (tofacitinib) to treat adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have had an inadequate response to, or who are intolerant of, methotrexate.

RA is an autoimmune disease, in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue leading to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues, FDA said. Xeljanz, a pill taken twice daily, works by blocking molecules called Janus kinases, which are important in the joint inflammation of RA. The drug is manufactured by New York-based Pfizer Inc.

“Xeljanz provides a new treatment option for adults suffering ...