US FDA Expands Tremfya Use to Treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The US Food and Drug Administration has permitted the expanded use of Johnson & Johnson's drug, Tremfya, to treat adults with a type of chronic inflammatory bowel disease. This approval introduces another therapeutic option for patients suffering from ulcerative colitis, which leads to inflammation and ulcers within the colon and rectum.
Pharmaceutical companies like AbbVie, Eli Lilly, and J&J are racing to capture a share of the increasingly competitive, multi-billion dollar market for treatments targeting inflammatory bowel diseases.
As J&J bets on Tremfya, its other flagship product for psoriasis and ulcerative colitis, Stelara, faces an upcoming patent cliff, threatening its market position.
In clinical trials, patients treated with Tremfya achieved endoscopic remission, characterized by no visible inflammation or ulcers during endoscopy procedures.
Chris Gasink, overseeing J&J's U.S. Medical Affairs, indicated that the company is prepared to provide Tremfya to eligible patients within a week or two following the FDA's ruling.
Analysts project this year’s sales of Stelara may exceed $10 billion, with approximately 75% stemming from inflammatory bowel disease treatments. Tremfya aims to be J&J's fourth drug available for treating ulcerative colitis.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.