Janssen ANZ
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ADDITIONAL TREATMENT OPTION – TREMFYA® – NOW AVAILABLE ON THE PBS FOR AUSTRALIANS WITH ACTIVE PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1 JULY 2021 – The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson today announced that TREMFYA® (guselkumab) is now available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for adults with active Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) who have had an inadequate response to, or are intolerant to, prior disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy.1
PsA is a chronic auto-immune disorder that causes inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues, leading to pain, stiffness and swelling, as well as fatigue, making it difficult to carry out everyday activities.2,3
There is currently no cure for PsA, and without early recognition, diagnosis and effective treatment, the disease can continue to progress.2,3
"Psoriatic arthritis is a complex, life-long condition that is common in people who have psoriasis," said Professor Peter Nash, Rheumatologist.
"Despite available treatments, many people living with the condition continue to experience debilitating symptoms that can impact their mobility and quality of life. While the disease journey and symptoms will vary from person to person, data suggests that more than a quarter of people with active PsA who discontinue their treatment do so due to side effects or lack of effectiveness,4 highlighting the need for additional treatment options."
PsA affects men and women equally and while it commonly appears between the ages of 30 and 50, it can develop at any time.5 Though the exact cause of PsA is unknown, genes, the immune system and environmental factors are all believed to play a role in the onset of the disease.2
TREMFYA works by neutralising the activity of a protein called IL-23,6 a naturally occurring cytokine that is involved in inflammatory and immune responses associated with the symptoms of PsA.3
"Janssen is proud to provide an additional treatment option for patients living with this debilitating, and at times distressing condition," said Biljana Naumovic, Managing Director, Janssen Australia and New Zealand. "The successful inclusion of TREMFYA on the PBS reinforces our ongoing commitment to develop, and make broadly available, innovative biologic medicines and tailored solutions that address the unmet needs of people living with immune-mediated diseases like PsA."
TREMFYA was included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) for use in adults with active PsA in January 2021. The approved dose for adults with active PsA is 100mg at week 0, week 4, and every 8 weeks thereafter, administered by subcutaneous injection. It is approved for use alone or in combination with a conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (csDMARD) such as methotrexate.6
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