Wyeth and Amgen report positive results for Enbrel

Amgen and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals have reported that new phase III study data shows Enbrel (etanercept) to bring significant improvements in the signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in children and adolescents.

The trial looked at the percentage of patients achieving 75 per cent or more disease improvement as measured by the standard Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75), with the primary endpoint being PASI 75 at week 12.

It was found that 57 per cent of paediatric patients treated with Enbrel achieved PASI 75 compared with 11 per cent of paediatric patients who received placebo.

The companies also reported no serious adverse events or infections during the trial with rates of events similar for both Enbrel and placebo.

Amy Paller, study investigator and professor and chair of dermatology at Northwestern University School of Medicine, illustrated that moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis was a disease that could have significant effects on children and teenagers.

“This etanercept data is encouraging and reinforces the importance of continuing to investigate treatment options that may help this particularly vulnerable patient population manage their disease,” she said.

It emerged this week that the Irish division of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals is to create four additional departments and 24 jobs.