Since the FDA approval for Enbrel (etanercept) for the treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis and the fact that Remicade (infliximab), is one step closer to being approved, it appears that there is little doubt that the TNF-a blockers are the future of treatment for AS. A recent study in Germany explored how doctors can predict a major, beneficial response to TNF-a medications in patients with the disease.

Two randomized, placebo controlled trials were conducted on patients who were determined to have high disease activity as calculated by the BASDAI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index). A higher score on this index correlates to high amounts of inflammation, stiffness and fatigue. A major response to TNF-a treatment was determined to be a 50% improvement of the initial BASDAI score after 12 weeks on one of the two drugs.

After analyzing the data, the researches determined that those who had AS for a shorter period of time, were younger, and who were more physically functional according to a score on the BASFI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index), were more likely to show a vast improvement after taking TNF-a blockers.

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