Pfizer Reports Positive Results In Trial Of Drug For Adults With Psoriatic Arthritis

Pfizer Inc. on Tuesday reported positive results from a late-stage trial of a treatment for adults with psoriatic arthritis. The company said results from Oral Psoriatic Arthritis triaL (OPAL) Beyond, the second Phase 3 study of XELJANZ(R) (tofacitinib citrate), met its primary endpoints. "There is a significant need for additional PsA treatment options as many people living with the condition do not respond well to available therapies," Michael Corbo, Category Development Lead, Inflammation & Immunology, Pfizer Global Innovative Pharmaceuticals Business, said in a statement. Psoriatic arthritis causes joint pain and stiffness, skin and nail psoriasis, swollen toes and fingers, persistent painful tendonitis, and irreversible joint damage. About 3 million people in the U.S. and Europe suffer from the disease. Pfizer shares were slightly higher in premarket trade, and are up 8% in the year so far, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average has gained 2.8%.