Enbrel and Remicade News
1/7/2005
The medication Remicade (infliximab) was approved for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis in December of 2004, thus increasing the total of the relatively new TNF blockers (biologics) approved by the FDA for the treatment of AS to two; Enbrel (etanercept) being the second, approved in July of 2003.
Although earlier studies have shown that this biologic class of medication can be extremely effective in treating AS in some people, research continues on these medications and their effectiveness and side effects. This article highlights two recently published studies: One on Remicade and one on Enbrel.
Outcomes of a multicentre randomized clinical trial of etanercept to treat ankylosing spondylitis
This trial on Enbrel was conducted by an international group of researchers in order to gauge the safety and effectiveness of Enbrel in treating ankylosing spondylitis. Using various scoring techniques, it was found that those on Enbrel had significant improvement as early as two weeks into the study versus those taking a placebo. Overall, the study conludes that, "Etanercept is a well tolerated and effective treatment for reducing clinical symptoms and signs of AS." Click here to read the study abstract.
Infliximab in spondyloarthropathy associated with Crohn's disease: an open study on the efficacy of inducing and maintaining remission of muskuloskeletal and gut manifestations
Basically, this study on Remicade was trying to determine the drug's effectiveness on treating spondylitis in conjuction with Crohn's disease. Remicade was initially developed to treat Crohn's disease. This study was done by researchers based in Italy.
A recent FDA warning was released in December of 2004 regarding possible severe liver reactions when taking Remicade. Click here to view the letter from Centocor, the drug's maker regarding the new warning. Although this study did not address this, the research found that Remicade, "maintains remission of crohn's disease while at the same time treating active and severe spondylitis…" Click here to read the study abstract.
For more information on the biologic medications including Enbrel and Remicade, visit our Ongoing Report, or visit our AS Medications section.