For Release at 5:30 PM PT, Sunday Nov. 11, 2001
For More Information, ContactTammy Cussimanio (404) 633-3777 until Nov. 7(415) 905-1005 Nov. 10 - Nov. 15[email protected]
A new option for treating ankylosing spondylitis
People with ankylosing spondylitis who are treated with etanercept, an anti TNF therapy which has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, may experience significant improvement in pain and mobility, according to research presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting Nov. 10 - 15 in San Francisco, California.
Until now, few treatments have been effective in controlling the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. Recent completion of the first randomized, placebo-controlled trial of a biological medicine, etanercept, in ankylosing spondylitis suggests that rapid and substantial improvement in the disease is achievable. Etanercept works by blocking a naturally occurring protein (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) that, when present in elevated levels, is believed to be one of the causes of inflammation and bone destruction in AS. In the four-month study, patients treated with etanercept had significant improvement in many of the manifestations of disease, such as pain, stiffness and mobility, and there was no increase in side effects compared with patients who did not receive the therapy.
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory arthritis characterized by joint stiffness, pain and extra bone growth that can result in partial or complete fusion of the spine. The disease typically affects young men and may lead to work disability and spinal deformity.
The American College of Rheumatology is the professional organization for rheumatologists and health professionals who share a dedication to healing, preventing disability and curing arthritis and related rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. For more information on the ACR's annual meeting, see http://www.rheumatology.org.
# # #
RSS