FDA approves Horizon Pharma's RAYOS to treat key IL-6 mediated diseases

Horizon Pharma, Inc., (NASDAQ:   HZNP) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved RAYOS^® (prednisone) delayed-release tablets (1 mg, 2 mg and 5 mg) to treat a broad range of diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

The FDA approval was supported by data bridging the pharmacokinetics of RAYOS to immediate-release prednisone and data from the Circadian Administration of Prednisone in RA (CAPRA-1 and 2) trials.  The CAPRA-2 trial demonstrated that people with moderate to severe RA treated with RAYOS experienced a statistically significant improvement in ACR20 response criteria compared to placebo.  The CAPRA-1 trial supported the overall safety of RAYOS.

"We are extremely pleased the FDA has approved RAYOS for a broad range of indications, including RA and polymyalgia rheumatica," said Timothy P. Walbert, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Horizon Pharma.  "Our initial focus will be on the launch of RAYOS in rheumatologic diseases such as RA and polymyalgia rheumatica in the fourth quarter of this year.  Based on the extent of the approved indications, we will be developing a broader commercial strategy to expand the opportunity for RAYOS in key IL-6 mediated diseases, including asthma and COPD."