Based on the latest research presented at the last scientific meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, Enbrel (etanercept) is being moved into a more prominent position as a first line therapy against rheumatoid arthritis.
The drug (Enbrel) proved better than methotrexate in first-line therapy against rheumatoid arthritis, both moderate and severe forms, according to scientists at Stanford University who performed tests using both products. Figures derived from two years of study showed Enbrel to be more effective in reducing symptoms, stopping joint erosion and improving the quality of life.
Side effects were far fewer with Enbrel as well, the most prevalent being injection site irritation. In contrast, common methotrexate side effects included, nausea, mouth ulcers, hair loss and breathing distress.
As reported by another scientific group undertaking similar studies at the university of Alabama in Birmingham, Enbrel benefits lasted as long as 4 years. Furthermore, the long-term open-label trial resulted in no increases in side effects, no opportunistic infections and there were less malignancies than expected.
In other medical studies performed at the Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas, as reported by Lipsky and his group of scientists, combination therapy using methotrexate and Remicade showed effectiveness when continued over a period of 2 years. 248 subjects were included in the study. Researchers found no change in joint-space narrowing or bone erosion among nearly half of the patients taking the combination therapy. Best results were found with higher doses of the drugs over a long period of time.
Rituxan, the anticancer monoclonal antibody produced dramatic results in five patients with refractory rheumatoid arthritis. The results were reported by a group of scientific physicians in London's University College. Based on the findings, controlled studies are being conducted by scientists employed by Hoffman LaRoche.
Arave (leflunomide) has provided symptomatic relief to half the patients with rheumatoid arthritis when added to methotrexate therapy when methotrexate alone was not helping. Further study on the combination therapy was recommended by researchers at Albany Medical College.
The most widely known and used medications for inflammatory bone diseases, rheumatics and arthritis, the "coxibs" have recently been compared in head-to-head studies. The drugs, Vioxx rofecoxib, and Celebrex calecoxib were given to patients on a once a day regimen. Each product provided symptomatic relief in osteoarthritis patients. There were fewer cardiorenal side effects with Celebrex.
Vioxx resulted in significantly more increases in edema and systolic blood pressure (measurements were up to 20 millimeters of Mercury higher). There were also increased incidences of dyspepsia, nausea and abdominal pain. Vioxx did, however, reduce the risk of hospitalization from gastrointestinal bleeding when compared with Naproxin Naprosyn.
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