European Commision approves Amgen´s KINERET® for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
First Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist represents new way to treat RA
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. and LUCERNE, Switzerland, March 13, 2002 - Amgen today announced that the European Commission has approved Kineret® (anakinra) for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in combination with methotrexate, in patients with an inadequate response to methotrexate alone.
Kineret is the first direct and selective blocker of interleukin-1 (IL-1), a protein present in excess in RA patients. By blocking IL-1, Kineret counteracts damaging cellular events in RA, reducing pain and inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most serious and disabling type of arthritis, affecting more than 3 million Europeans.
"Kineret is the first therapy from Amgen's rheumatology research program and demonstrates our commitment to discovering and developing new medicines for the treatment of inflammation," said Kevin Sharer, Amgen's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer."
Keith Leonard, Amgen's Vice President for European operations added, "Kineret is a significant new treatment for patients with RA, which reduces the signs and symptoms of the disease and improves some measurements of patient function. Our studies demonstrate that Kineret is well tolerated and has a favourable safety profile. Kineret represents an important new therapy for patients with RA whose symptoms are not controlled by methotrexate therapy alone."
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