Pfizer has announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved XELJANZ® XR (tofacitinib citrate) extended-release 11 mg tablets for the once-daily treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in patients who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate (MTX). XELJANZ XR is the first and only once-daily oral RA treatment in its class, known as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors.
Pfizer continues to be an innovator in inflammation and immunology. The introduction of the first and only once-daily oral JAK inhibitor for RA, XELJANZ XR, builds upon Pfizer’s tradition of developing patient-centered therapies,” said Michael Corbo, Category Development Lead, Inflammation & Immunology, Pfizer Global Innovative Pharmaceuticals Business.
“The availability of XELJANZ XR provides physicians with a new treatment option for people with RA who may prefer an oral once-daily treatment,” said Dr. Roy Fleischmann, clinical professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Co-Medical Director, Metroplex Clinical Research Center.