Biosimilar to Enbrel Approved

August 30, 2016 – The FDA approved Erelzi (etanercept-szzs) for the treatment for multiple inflammatory diseases.   Erelzi, manufactured by Sandoz, is a biosimilar to Enbrel, which is manufactured by Amgen.  Erelzi and Enbral are not interchangeable products.

Erelzi is administered by injection for the treatment of:

• moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, either as a standalone therapy or in combination with methotrexate (MTX);
• moderate to severe polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients ages two and older;
• active psoriatic arthritis, including use in combination with MTX in psoriatic arthritis patients who do not respond adequately to MTX alone;
• active ankylosing spondylitis (an arthritis that affects the spine); and 
• chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients (18 years or older) who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.

Dosing may vary for each approved use and product labeling should be carefully reviewed.  Erelzi contains a Boxed Warning to alert health care professionals and patients about an increased risk of serious infections leading to hospitalization or death, including tuberculosis, invasive fungal infections (such as histoplasmosis) and others.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of a recalled product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

• Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
• Regular Mail or Fax: Download form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

Actual drug patent expiration dates and availability of new medications are subject to change due to patent litigation, settlement agreements, additional patents, exclusivities, and final FDA approval.  Distribution and availability of new medications at pharmacies may not occur immediately following FDA approval.  Patients are advised to speak with their healthcare professional or pharmacist regarding appropriateness as well as actual availability.

*This is provided for information only.  The reference to any medication above does not mean the medication is covered by your plan.