Antares Pharma Inc. announced the availability of OTREXUP(TM), the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved subcutaneous (SC) methotrexate (MTX) product for once weekly self-administration with an easy-to-use, single dose, disposable auto injector. OTREXUP was approved by the FDA in October 2013. OTREXUP is available at distribution centers throughout the USA.

Approximately 1.3 million Americans are diagnosed with RA and about 7.5 million with psoriasis. Initial treatment of these conditions with oral MTX usually provides a good response for many patients. However, some patients find it difficult to tolerate the oral formulation and/or receive limited benefit, especially when higher doses are required for a satisfactory response.

Absorption following oral dosing showed a plateau effect at doses of 15 mg and greater. OTREXUP is indicated for adults with severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have had an insufficient therapeutic response to or are intolerant of an adequate trial of first line therapy including full dose non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), and children with active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA). OTREXUP also is indicated for use in adults who need symptomatic control of severe recalcitrant, disabling psoriasis that is not adequately responsive to other forms of therapy.