Erelzi is the only etanercept biosimilar to be indicated for reducing the signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adult patients.

Up to 90,000 Canadians have or may have PsA, a disease which affects both men and women in equal numbers.[1]

Sandoz Canada Inc., a division of Novartis AG, announced today that Health Canada has approved Erelzi (etanercept), a biosimilar of Enbrel® (etanercept), for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adult patients, making Erelzi the only etanercept biosimilar to have obtained approval for this indication in Canada.

More specifically, Sandoz Canada Inc. received a Notice of Compliance from Health Canada on January 17, 2019 for Erelzi to be used for reducing signs and symptoms, inhibiting the progression of structural damage of active arthritis, and improving physical function in adult patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).[2] Erelzi can be used in combination with methotrexate in adult patients who do not respond adequately to methotrexate alone.

Between 10 and 30% of psoriasis patients will develop psoriatic arthritis.[3] Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune disease. The joints are the target of the immune attack causing swelling, pain and inflammation of the joints. In most people, psoriatic arthritic starts after the onset of psoriasis.

"We have the ability to improve access to different treatment options for patients suffering from this debilitating disease," said Michel Robidoux, President and General Manager of Sandoz Canada. "The approval of Erelzi to also manage psoriatic arthritis can, in addition, help reduce healthcare system costs by making available a cost-effective biosimilar treatment option for this form of arthritis."

A biosimilar biologic drug, or biosimilar, is a biologic drug demonstrated to be similar to a brand name drug already authorized for sale (known as the reference biologic drug). Biosimilars may enter the market after the expiry of reference biologic drug patents and data protections. For more information about biosimilars, please read Health Canada's factsheet.[4]

Biosimilars can increase access to effective treatments for patients, as well as reduce the ongoing economic burden currently existing in the Canadian healthcare system that is impacting patients, physicians and payers.[5]

Sandoz is committed to increasing patient access to high-quality, life-enhancing biosimilars. It is the pioneer and global leader in biosimilars and markets eight biosimilars in Europe and two in Canada.

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