AstraZeneca Pushes Forward on Brodalumab Development Save

Despite Amgen's withdrawal as a co-developer of brodalumab, the anti-IL17A monoclonal antibody, AstraZeneca has announced it will push its plan to develop the drug. Brodalumab is currently in phase III trials for use in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Last May, brodalumab clinical trials were halted by Amgen over concerns about suicidal ideation and behavioral issues that could potentially lead to restrictive labeling.

Last week AstraZeneca revealed it was cautiously moving forward on a data analysis and preparing their brodalumab data on psoriasis for regulatory submission to the FDA. They also announced they may consider finding a new partner for this venture, once Amgen has handed over their ownership rights.