Guest guest Posted December 5, 2000 Report Share Posted December 5, 2000 Back to last page Drug Shown To Slow Early Stage Rheumatoid Arthritis November 29, 2000 BOSTON (AP) - A drug used to relieve the symptoms of advanced rheumatoid arthritis also appears to slow or stop the progression of the disease when given in its early stages, a study concludes. The latest work shows that the drug, called Enbrel, works better than the standard treatment in these patients and carries fewer side effects A study directed by Dr. Joan M. Bathon of s Hopkins University tested the medicine on 632 people who had suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for less than three years. The progression of the disease stopped completely in 72 percent of the patients getting twice-weekly injections of the drug for one year. By comparison, 60 percent fared this well when taking methotrexate pills, the older standard medicine. Those getting methotrexate were twice as likely to experience side effects bad enough to make them stop taking the drug. Enbrel works by blocking a natural substance called tumor necrosis factor, which triggers much of the joint inflammation in the disease. Victims of rheumatoid arthritis suffer destruction of bone and cartilage in their joints. It is caused by a misguided attack of the body's immune defenses on its own tissue. Rheumatoid arthritis affects millions and is different from the common form of arthritis that results from the wear-and-tear of aging. The study was published in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine. Another report in the journal confirmed the effectiveness of the drug Remicade, which also works by blocking tumor necrosis factor, in patients who had the disease for an average of about 10 years. Enbrel is made byImmunex and Remicade by Centocor. The makers financed both studies. Copyright 2000 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. More News General Health Top News This Week in Health Allergy Arthritis Asthma Babies Cancer Caregivers Children's Health Diabetes Fitness Headache Heart Health HIV / AIDS Medications Men's Health Mental Health Nutrition Pregnancy Prevention Senior Health Sexual / Reproductive Health Skin and Hair STDs Sleep Stress Reduction Stroke Today in Health History Weight Management Women's HealthSpecial Reports Search the InteliHealth News Tips For Effective Searching Printer-friendly format Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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