Mortality Signal For Pfizer's Xeljanz In Rheumatoid Arthritis Puts A Damper On JAK Class

The cardiovascular risks seen with a higher-than-approved dose of Pfizer Inc.'s Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor Xeljanz in a long-term rheumatoid arthritis study required by the US FDA have cast a shadow over the drug's other indications and for the class overall.

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) has been approved by the FDA since 2012 at the dose of 5 mg twice daily for moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate