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 potential new drug therapy for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers
CDP870, a potential new anti-TNF therapy, shows promising results in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, according to research presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting Nov. 10 - 15 in San Francisco, California.
Researchers conducted a study involving 204 patients with active RA who had had an inadequate response to a number of previous therapies. Patients were given either CDP870 or placebo by subcutaneous (under the skin) injection once per month for three months.
The study results suggest that CDP870 is well tolerated and effective in treating the signs and symptoms of RA. Study participants began experiencing benefits within one week and maintained them throughout the three-month study period. The highest dose provided substantial benefit as assessed by standard ACR criteria with 60% of patients demonstrating significant clinical improvement and 40% exhibiting an extremely good response.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating disease that affects 1 percent of the adult population. It is a chronic disease that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, damage, and loss of function in many joints as well as inflammation in other body organs. About 75 percent of cases occur in women. It usually develops during childbearing years but can also begin in late adulthood.
"These results are encouraging because they suggest that CDP870 may provide RA patients with efficacy comparable to currently available therapies, along with the convenience of dosing once monthly," said Edward Keystone, MD, Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto and an investigator in the study.
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.
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