Humira (adalimumab) is EU approved to treat hidradenitis suppurativa - Abbvie

AbbVie has announced that Humira (adalimumab) is EU approved for the treatment of active moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (acne inversa) in adults with an inadequate response to conventional systemic HS treatment. Humira is now the first and only medication approved for HS in the European Union.

HS, sometimes referred to as "acne inversa" by dermatologists, is a painful, chronic inflammatory skin disease. It is estimated to impact 1 percent of the adult population worldwide, but prevalence numbers vary between countries. It is characterised by recurrent, painful abscesses and nodules on the skin – typically around the armpits and groin, on the buttocks and under the breasts. HS can have considerable impact on patients' daily lives, their work ability, physical activities and emotional state. HS can be progressive in some people, and surgery may be considered to remove skin affected by the disease in advanced stages. Therefore, diagnosing and managing the disease early is important. This can be difficult, and many people with HS experience a lengthy delay in diagnosis and treatment.

Comment: AbbVie's supplemental Biologic License Application seeking FDA approval for the use of Humira in patients with moderate-to-severe HS was filed in June 2015 is currently under review with the agency.