3/10/2005
The first long-term study data is surfacing regarding the safety of the biologics, also known as TNF inhibitors. This class of medications has shown great promise in treating ankylosing spondylitis.
The two studies, one on Enbrel (etanercept) and one on Remicade (infliximab), came to very similar conclusions: both drugs were effective and safe in treating AS over the long term - even after periods of discontinuation of treatment by these biologics.
The Remicade study, "Clinical response to discontinuation of anti-TNF therapy in patients with ankylosing spondylitis after 3 years of continuous treatment," was published in February, 2005 in Arthritis Research & Therapy. The study found that patients who were initially in remission and stopped treatment of the drug began to experience a relapse and increase in disease activity and were without side effects in regards to discontinuing the Remicade treatment. Click here to read the study abstract.
The Enbrel study, "Long-term efficacy and safety of etanercept after readministration in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis," was initially published in November, 2004. As with the study on Remicade, this study found that patients being treated with Enbrel were far improved than those not taking Enbrel. Click here to read the study abstract.
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