Pfizer's Xeljanz: The Slow Road To Blockbuster Status

The oral pill, perhaps best known to investors for failing to live up to initial expectations in rheumatoid arthritis, has found its groove – and new opportunities in psoriatic arthritis and ulcerative colitis are on the horizon.

It has been almost five years since Pfizer Inc.'s Xeljanz (tofacitinib) was approved by the US FDA for rheumatoid arthritis, and the drug is just finally reaching the blockbuster-level sales investors had been hoping for years ago.

Xeljanz' long road to blockbuster status points to the challenges new drugs face in competitive therapeutic categories like rheumatoid arthritis,...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Scrip for daily insights

Start your 7-day free trial
Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
Access comprehensive global coverage
Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

Spyre Takes Aim At Roche And J&J In Inflammatory Diseases

18 Jun 2025

• By Andrew McConaghie

The US firm was already looking to compete in ulcerative colitis, but now expands its ambitions by moving into rheumatoid arthritis as well.

UCB Follows Fellow European Pharmas With Major US Investment

13 Jun 2025

• By Kevin Grogan

The Belgian drugmaker is boosting its biologics capacity over the pond.

Sanofi Revels In More Positive Rilzabrutinib Data

12 Jun 2025

• By Kevin Grogan

The oral BTK inhibitor impresses in a Phase II trial for IgG4-related disease.

How AstraZeneca Aims To Stay Ahead In Lupus As New Competition Looms

12 Jun 2025

• By Andrew McConaghie

The company has established the efficacy of its biologic Saphenlo in systemic lupus erythematosus but is now investing across modalities to stay ahead of rivals.