Psoriatic arthritis appraisal for Humira, Enbrel, Remicade

The U.K.'s NICE issued a final appraisal determination (FAD) for the use of Humira adalimumab, Enbrel etanercept and Remicade infliximab in psoriatic arthritis. The three drugs are recommended to treat adults with active and progressive psoriatic arthritis who have peripheral arthritis with three or more tender or swollen joints and whose disease has not responded to at least two DMARDs. NICE also recommends starting treatment with the least expensive drug.

In March, NICE issued a preliminary appraisal recommending Humira and Enbrel for the indication, but recommended Remicade for the same criteria only if the patient is intolerant of, or has contraindications to, Enbrel and Humira, or subcutaneous administration is unsuitable. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) markets Humira, while Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN) and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) market Enbrel. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) and Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) market Remicade. ...