Centocor, Inc., maker of the TNF-a Inhibitor (a biologic medication), Remicade (Infliximab) has announced that the FDA has approved the drug for use in treating ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Remicade now joins the Wyeth Pharmaceuticals medication, Enbrel (etanercept) as the only other TNF-a Inhibitor to be approved for the treatment of AS.

Remicade is administered every 6-8 weeks by means of infusion.

The drug is in the class of medication that has shown great promise in treating AS and is the only variety treatment that, according to Dr. John D. Reveille, "appears to stop the fusion" asociated with AS. But he cautions, "whether or not [the TNF-a Inhibitors] continue to work over time, remains to be seen."