Amgen has completed its acquisition of worldwide rights to Otezla (apremilast), the only oral, non-biologic treatment for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Otezla, along with certain related assets and liabilities, was acquired from Celgene Corp. for $13.4 billion in cash, in connection with its previously announced merger with Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., which was completed on Nov. 20.
 
Otezla is an important treatment in the post-topical, pre-biologic segment in its approved indications in the U.S., including the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy; adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis; and adult patients with oral ulcers associated with Behçet’s Disease.
Otezla is approved in more than 50 markets outside the U.S., including the European Union and Japan.
 
“As the prevalence of chronic inflammatory diseases increases worldwide, Otezla represents a unique opportunity to further Amgen’s mission of bringing innovative medicines to patients, while building on our long-standing expertise in inflammation,” said Robert A. Bradway, chairman and chief executive officer at Amgen. “We look forward to working with the dedicated professionals joining us from Celgene to help realize the global potential of Otezla as an important option for patients. This move also provides Amgen with an important strategic product offering new opportunities for growth and serving patients.”