Genentech, Biogen cancer drug approved for new indication

03/02/06 - newratings.com

NEW YORK, March 2 (newratings.com) – Biotech companies Genentech (DNA) and Biogen Idec (BIIB) Wednesday announced that the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) had approved their cancer drug, Rituxan, for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

The two companies announced that the FDA approval is for the use of Rituxan in combination with methotrexate in patients with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis. Rituxan can also be prescribed to patients who have not responded to a class of drugs known as the TNF blockers, such as Enbrel, Remicade and Humira. Rituxan was first approved eight years ago for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body's immune system attacks tissues in the joints, causing inflammation and destroying cartilage, tendons and bones.