A study published in Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism entitled, "Emergence of Crohn's Disease During Treatment with the Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Agent Etanercept for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Possible Mechanisms of Action" uncovers cases where Etanercept (Enbrel) may have reactivated or unmasked Crohn's Disease in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

The authors conclude that, "The reactivation or the unmasking of gastrointestinal symptoms during etanercept treatment raises the issue of differences between etanercept and the other antitumor necrosis factor monoclonal antibodies in their molecular structure, tumor necrosis factor neutralizing effect, mode of administration, and pharmacokinetics that may account for these observations."

Nine cases were indentified in total.

To read the study's abstract, click here.

STAY INFORMED! Stay up-to-date on all the latest news and information regarding AS and related diseases with our news magazine, Spondylitis Plus. Your subscription comes free with SAA membership, so click here to join today!