FDA approves UCB's Cimzia for psoriatic arthritis

BRUSSELS — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new usage for a drug made by UCB, the drug maker said Monday.

UCB announced the approval of Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) for psoriatic arthritis in adults. Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory, autoimmune condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness around the joints, usually combined with the skin lesions of psoriasis. The drug was already approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease.

"The FDA's approval of Cimzia for the treatment of active PsA provides an additional, effective treatment option for those living with the condition," director of rheumatology research at the Seattle-based Swedish Medical Center and University of Washington medicine professor Philip Mease said.