Reports From National Arthritis Meeting
Dr. Shiel Gives Perspectives Of Interest On Arthritis Drugs & New
Medications From 2001 Annual Scientific Meeting Of The American College Of Rheumatology
Below are perspectives on key reports presented at the recent national
meeting of the American College of Rheumatology:
Introduction
Scientists throughout the world are studying many promising areas of new
treatment approaches for arthritis and rheumatic diseases. These areas include
monoclonal antibody therapy that is directed against a special inflammation
factor called the tumor necrosis factor (TNFalpha) (as described below regarding
Remicade and Enbrel), and new TNF human antibodies. Also, new non-steroidal
antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), with mechanisms of action that are different
from current drugs, are on the horizon. Genetic research and engineering are
also likely to bring forth many new avenues of earlier diagnosis and treatment
in the near future.
Below are perspectives on key reports presented at the recent national
meeting of the American College of Rheumatology:
REMICADE (infliximab)
Remicade (infliximab) is an antibody that blocks the effects of tumor
necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). TNF-alpha is a substance made by cells of the
body that has an important role in promoting inflammation. By blocking the
action of TNF-alpha, infliximab reduces the signs and symptoms of inflammation.
Remicade was a topic in over 100 papers presented at the meeting, most of
which related to rheumatoid arthritis. Remicade, an approved treatment for
rheumatoid arthritis, is given by intravenous infusion every 2 months.
Researchers at this meeting reported Remicade to be effective and safe in
treating rheumatoid arthritis. Some reported an 80% significant response rate in
the first year of use.
Dr. Shiel's Perspective: This is my experience with this medication, which is
very effective in calming the pain, stiffness, and swelling from the
inflammation due to arthritis in a high percentage of patients.
It was also reported by researchers from the Netherlands that a combination
of Remicade/methotrexate prevents structural damage to the joints of patients
with rheumatoid arthritis, regardless of whether or not the patient was feeling
better!
Dr. Shiel's Perspective: The fact that blocking TNF with drugs like Remicade
and Enbrel stops disease progression has already been shown. The interesting
point of this study is that they seem to prevent joint damage irrespective of
whether patients' signs and symptoms of arthritis were improving. This seems to
imply that the drug has an essential effect in stopping the rheumatoid disease.
Remicade or Enbrel treatments resulted in the increased ability of patients
to work.
Dr. Shiel's Perspective: While it seems patently logical that controlling a
disease that results in loss of function would help people return to the work
place, it is good to see it documented.
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