Amgen Seeks to Expand Use of Drug

Amgen Inc. has asked the Food and Drug Administration to approve its Enbrel drug for patients with an inflammatory spinal disorder.

Enbrel has been sold since 1998 as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammation of the joints, and last year won approval for psoriatic arthritis.

Approval of Enbrel for ankylosing spondylitis could help the world’s largest biotechnology company expand its market for the drug. Amgen released study results last week suggesting that the medicine works against the chronic skin disorder psoriasis.

Amgen shares climbed $1.63 to $52.50 on Nasdaq.