A new research study published in the journal, "Arthritis and Rheumatism" has found that treatment with TNF-a blockers may not prevent fusion.

The study, "Evidence for uncoupling of inflammation and joint remodeling in a mouse model of spondylarthritis", which used mice, found that "Inflammation and ankylosis [fusion] may be linked but are largely independent processes." Thus, although the TNF-a inhibitor class of medications may help treat the inflammation, they may not stop the processes of fusing associated with ankylosing spondylitis.

This is significant in that it has been largely thought that the inflammation was directly tied to the fusing processes and that the TNF-a inhibitor treatments may slow or stop the fusing process in some people with AS.

The researchers used etanercept (Enbrel ®) to treat mice that a strain with "spontaneous arthritis, a model of spondyloarthritis (SpA)." They conclude that the treatment "did not affect the severity and incidence of joint ankylosis in a mouse model of SpA."

References: Arthritis Rheum 2007;56:489-497

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