For Release at 5:30 PM PT, Sunday Nov. 11, 2001\nFor More Information, ContactTammy Cussimanio(404) 633-3777 until Nov. 7(415) 905-1005 Nov. 10 - Nov. 15[email protected]
Another option for patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis
People with rheumatoid arthritis who take methotrexate but continue to have active arthritis may have further improvement in arthritis control with the addition of a new injectable treatment called anakinra, according to research presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting Nov. 10 - 15 in San Francisco, California.
The results of this study confirm previous findings that anakinra (IL-1ra), an inhibitor of interleukin-1, is effective in improving signs and symptoms and physical function of rheumatoid arthritis patients with active disease despite on-going methotrexate treatment. Additionally, anakinra was well tolerated with the most common adverse event reported being injection site reactions that occurred early and generally resolved as treatment continued. In this study, serious infectious episodes were rare and occurred at equal frequency among the placebo and actively treated patients.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating disease that affects 1 percent of the adult population. It is a chronic disease that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, damage, and loss of function in many joints as well as inflammation in other body organs. About 75 percent of cases occur in women. It usually develops during childbearing years but can also begin in late adulthood.
"This study demonstrates that inhibition of interleukin-1 is an effective and safe therapy that will provide another option to the rheumatologist in treating patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis," said Stanley B. Cohen, MD, Clinical Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and an investigator in the study.
The American College of Rheumatology is the professional organization for rheumatologists and health professionals who share a dedication to healing, preventing disability and curing arthritis and related rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. For more information on the ACR's annual meeting, see http://www.rheumatology.org.
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