Pfizer Reports Xeljanz Drug Fared on Par with Enbrel in a Late-Stage Study

The drug maker, Pfizer confirmed on Wednesday that a dose of its rheumatoid arthritis drug, Xeljanz, leveled-up with a similar drug when tested during a late-stage research.

Pfizer which is based in New York City claimed that the results of their early study showed that a ten-milligram dose of Xeljanz, chemically known as tofacitinib, proved to not be inferior to a dose of Enbrel, a well-established treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, if taken twice daily. However, a five-milligram dose of the drug did not meet the study's non-inferiority criteria which meant that the researchers did not see any statistical evidence that the effectiveness of the drug at that dose was up to par with Enbrel.

A different study showed that patients who took the drug fared better even after the administration of the drug was stopped compared to those who took a placebo, according to Yahoo! Finance. Pfizer is currently conducting five late-stage studies of the drug and the research will be used to apply for approval of additional use. The initial results from other studies will be released by second quarter of next year.

Xeljanz is regarded as one of the Pfizer's potential big sellers. Regulators in different countries including Japan and the United States have approved the drug as treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that is characterized by bent fingers and joints at uncomfortable angles due to the immune system's attack in the body's tissues. Another disease that may cured using the Xeljanz is psoriasis, a chronic, inflammatory disease that affects the skin, nail and joints. The disease affects approximately 175 million people all over the world. Pfizer's shares added two cents to $28.26 on Wednesday morning, according to CNBC.