Enbrel® Now Available to More Arthritis Patients

The scarce arthritis drug Enbrel® is now being offered to more than 40,000 patients on the Enbrel Prospective Patient List. These patients and their physicians are being notified that they may finally order the drug.

For the past two years, Enbrel -- which is complex to manufacture -- has only been available to a very limited number of patients who participated in the Enbrel Enrollment Program.

"We have experienced improved efficiencies at the current Enbrel manufacturing facility that have helped enable us to make this large-scale offering of supply to patients," said Kevin Young, vice president and general manager of Amgen's Inflammation Business Unit.

"This step is significant in that it opens the door for more patients to benefit from Enbrel, the only TNF receptor therapy distinguished by five years of data supporting its consistent and sustained efficacy and long-term tolerability," said Joseph Mahady, president North America, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.

The Enbrel Enrollment Program will remain in effect to help current patients continue to have access to Enbrel. Patients can enroll by calling 1-888-4ENBREL (1-888-436-2735).

Other sources: Amgen Pharmaceuticals