PFIZER Australia has announced the reimbursement of Velsipity (etrasimod) on the PBS to treat moderately-to-severely active ulcerative colitis.
Velsipity is recommended for adults who have not responded to conventional, biologic, or JAK inhibitor therapies.
The once-daily 2mg tablet is taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional experienced in managing ulcerative colitis.
As an oral sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator, Velsipity works by reducing the number of activated lymphocytes in the blood, helping manage inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis.
A/Prof Reme Mountifield, gastroenterologist at Flinders Medical Centre, said the listing offers patients a new oral therapy to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Clinical trials from the ELEVATE UC program showed Velsipity achieved results in both primary and secondary endpoints compared to a placebo.
Additionally, the drug was effective in patients with isolated proctitis, a subtype of ulcerative colitis.
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