RA or Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. The condition causes inflammation in the joints, leading to stiffness, pain, and reduced body function.

While there are several treatment options available, there has been a growing demand for subcutaneous formulations for their convenience and effectiveness.

What is a Subcutaneous Formulation?

A subcutaneous formulation is a type of medication that is injected just beneath the skin. It is a popular option because it allows for faster absorption and delivery of the drug, resulting in quicker relief.

Additionally, subcutaneous injections are much less invasive than intravenous injections and can be self-administered at home.

What is the New RA Subcutaneous Formulation?

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recently approved a new subcutaneous formulation for RA. The drug is called Xeljanz and has been developed by Pfizer, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies.

The subcutaneous formulation of the drug is administered via an injection once a week.

How Does Xeljanz Work?

Xeljanz is a drug that works by inhibiting certain enzymes that cause inflammation in the body. In RA patients, these enzymes are overactive, leading to chronic inflammation in the joints.

By inhibiting these enzymes, Xeljanz reduces the inflammation in the joints, improving the patient’s quality of life.

Clinical Trials Results

The approval of Xeljanz’s subcutaneous formulation comes after successful results from two clinical trials. In both trials, patients were administered the subcutaneous formulation of the drug once a week.

Compared to the group taking a placebo, patients who were taking Xeljanz had significantly reduced symptoms of RA, including joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness. The results were sustained over one year, indicating that the drug is both safe and effective in the long term.

Benefits of Xeljanz

The approval of Xeljanz’s subcutaneous formulation is a significant breakthrough in the treatment of RA. The drug has several benefits, including:.

Convenience: The subcutaneous formulation of the drug can be self-administered at home, eliminating the need for frequent visits to the hospital or clinic.
Efficiency: The drug is faster acting compared to traditional oral medications as it is directly injected into the bloodstream.
Safety: Xeljanz has been extensively tested in clinical trials, and its safety profile is well established.
Long-term effectiveness: The results from the clinical trials indicate that the drug is not only effective in the short term but also in the long term.

Availability of Xeljanz

The subcutaneous formulation of Xeljanz has been approved by the EMA and is now available in Europe. The drug is already available in the US, where it has been approved by the FDA.

Conclusion

The subcutaneous formulation of Xeljanz has received a green light from Europe, enhancing the treatment options for patients living with RA.

The drug’s convenience, efficiency, and safety make it a popular option for patients and healthcare providers worldwide. The availability of the drug in Europe is a significant step forward in the management of RA, and it is expected to have an enormous impact on the lives of millions of people living with the condition.