Many European dermatologists want more post-marketing data before Rxing Pfizer's Janus

At least half of surveyed dermatologists across the EU5 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) will likely wait until Pfizer’s Janus (tofacitinib) kinase (JAK) inhibitor has accumulated favorable post-marketing safety data before they will prescribe it, according to a new study from advisory firm Decision Resources.

However, if tofacitinib’s long-term safety record is favorable, with efficacy that is at least comparable to Pfizer’s Enbrel etanercept, this agent has the potential to compete directly with the leading biologic agents that are currently approved in Europe for psoriasis: Enbrel, Merck’s Remicade (infliximab), Abbott’s Humira (adalimumab) and Janssen/Cilag’s Stelara (ustekinumab).