"Currently, it is estimated that as few as five percent of eligible psoriasis patients get the biologics they need" said Mark Levick, MD PhD, Global Head of Development, Bio pharmaceuticals, Sandoz. "We are pleased the data reinforce the potential of our biosimilar adalimumab, if approved, to be another treatment option for moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis and other inflammatory diseases" Levick continued.

Results at week 17 demonstrated similar safety and immunogenicity between GP2017 and the reference medicine. Reported adverse events and the presence of anti-drug antibodies were similar across both treatment groups. Observed adverse events were in line with the reference medicine's known safety profile.

Sandoz is committed to increasing patient access to high-quality, life-enhancing biosimilars. It is the pioneer and global leader in biosimilars and currently markets three biosimilars worldwide. Sandoz has a leading biosimilar pipeline, with plans to file biosimilar adalimumab with the EMA and the FDA in 2017. Sandoz also plans to launch five biosimilars of major oncology and immunology biologics across key geographies by 2020. As a division of the Novartis Group, Sandoz is well-positioned to lead the biosimilars industry based on its experience and capabilities in development, manufacturing and commercialization.