In a multi-center, double-blind study, ENBREL 50 mg administered once weekly achieved an ACR 20 response in 50% of patients, compared to 19% in the placebo group. ENBREL also showed comparable improvement in HAQ and patient-reported measures of global status and pain.
Researchers found a significant link between depression and social stress in arthritis patients, contradicting previous theories that only chronic pain contributes to depression. The study suggests that addressing social difficulties and independent stresses is crucial for effective depression treatments for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
A recent study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy found that smoking significantly increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in men. However, female smokers do not face a higher risk, contrary to previous assumptions. The study suggests pre-menopausal women may block the link between smoking and RA development.
Scientists at Cardiff University have developed a new protein to help manage acute infection and inflammation. The protein has been jointly investigated by Dr Simon Jones and Dr Nicholas Topley for several years, revealing its potential in treating chronic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and bacterial peritonitis.
A phase 3 study found Enbrel inhibited radiographic progression in patients with active psoriatic arthritis. The drug reduced the progression of bone erosions and joint space narrowing associated with the disease.
A long-term study of Enbrel found that it effectively treated rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for up to five years, with 71% of patients achieving the ACR 20 response. The medication was also well-tolerated, with no increased rate of serious adverse events or infections compared to placebo.
Scientists at PNNL and the Institute of Immunological Engineering have created unique humanized antibodies to gamma interferon, a protein that triggers autoimmune conditions. These fully humanized antibodies may provide long-term treatment for autoimmune diseases.
A UCSF study shows that 80% of patients taking etanercept experience significant relief from ankylosing spondylitis symptoms. The drug reduces spinal inflammation and slows disease progression, offering a new therapeutic option for the chronic inflammatory arthritis.
The RDCC facilitates collaboration between researchers to develop new diagnostic tests and innovative therapies. Researchers aim to translate scientific discoveries into patient treatment within five years.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that methotrexate treatment significantly improves survival rates among rheumatoid arthritis patients. By reducing cardiovascular mortality, methotrexate may provide a substantial survival benefit, setting a standard for future disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a gene therapy that reduces inflammatory cytokines involved in joint inflammation. The treatment, which uses the IL-13 gene, has been shown to suppress joint inflammation and prevent the development of arthritis in rat models.
Researchers at National Jewish Health have discovered a unique 'flap' on protein Tall-1 crucial to its function, which could lead to new treatments for autoimmunity. The flap-free version of the molecule triggers no biological activity but still binds to receptors.
Researchers developed a superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic that substantially reduced cartilage and bone erosion, as well as chronic inflammation, in a standard animal model. The SOD mimetic also significantly reduced elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β.
Phase 3 results of ENBREL (etanercept) demonstrated significant improvement in signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, with 72% of patients experiencing treatment response after 12 weeks. The study also showed improvements in skin manifestations and psoriasis activity.
Research reveals a strong association between rheumatoid arthritis and smoking, with those consuming more cigarettes daily facing increased risk. Lifestyle factors such as insulin-dependent diabetes, late menstruation, and prolonged hair dye use also contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis.
The study identifies six transcripts whose up- or down-regulation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) parallels the changes seen in anergic cells. Calmodulin suppression in RA is consistent and dramatic, suggesting a link between anergic cells and disease-associated T cells.
Two new research studies have shown significant promise for reducing joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis, with a combination of infliximab and methotrexate halting progression and improving symptoms in patients. Etanercept also demonstrates efficacy in slowing joint damage and decreasing symptoms.
A nationwide study found that etanercept significantly slows or stops rheumatoid arthritis progression in nearly three-quarters of patients, with fewer side effects than methotrexate. The new use of etanercept as an early treatment offers a promising alternative for patients with advanced RA.
Research finds that rheumatoid arthritis patients experience longer hospital stays and higher total charges due to complications, with a notable impact on quality of life. The disease also results in increased healthcare utilization for general symptoms beyond musculoskeletal complaints.
Interleukin-1.com provides updated information on IL-1 role in RA, meeting a need for rheumatologists and health care professionals. The site offers resources, including a primer book and presentation materials, to enhance understanding of cytokine biology and its relevance to RA.
Top scientists from Harvard, Cornell, University of Dublin, and University of Colorado will discuss the molecular biology of IL-1 and its role in RA pathogenesis. They will also focus on new targets for treatment, such as bone degradation, and explore patient perspectives on quality of life.
New data suggest anakinra accelerates joint damage progression slowdown and improves health-related quality of life for RA patients. Studies found accelerated slowing of joint destruction with treatment, leading to nearly twice the rate of reduction in joint destruction as placebo groups.
A novel naked DNA vaccination technology has been developed to overcome autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. The vaccine introduces engineered genes that neutralize proinflammatory peptides, allowing the immune system to self-regulate its response and prevent disease progression.
A large-scale study suggests that coffee drinkers are at a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. The research found that those who consumed four or more cups of coffee daily were twice as likely to test positive for the disease, while those who drank 11 cups or more were nearly 15 times more likely.
A large study found that consuming four or more cups of coffee per day was twice as likely to test positive for rheumatoid factor, a hallmark indicator of the disease. Those who drank 11 or more cups daily were almost 15 times more likely to have rheumatoid factor.
Targeted Genetics Corporation has shown promise in its AAV gene therapy program for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), reducing ankle and hind paw swelling in preclinical studies. The treatment uses a recombinant TNFR:Fc fusion protein, which antagonizes the function of TNF-a, a key component of the inflammatory response.
The Prosorba® Column is a device that removes harmful antibodies and immune complexes from the blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Patient trials are expected to evaluate its effectiveness and safety in treating this chronic inflammatory condition affecting over 250,000 Canadians.
Researchers found that delaying treatment by nine months results in significant permanent damage and reduced disease progression. Early therapy with a second-line agent like Hydroxychloroquine reduces the need for more expensive treatments, including surgery.
A new Greek study suggests that high consumption of olive oil and cooked vegetables may protect against rheumatoid arthritis. The study found a lower risk of developing RA among those who ate the highest amount of cooked vegetables, with a 75% lesser risk compared to those in the lowest category.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving a single dose of Alexion's 5G1.1 showed significant reduction in joint pain and symptoms compared to placebo-treated patients, with 50% achieving an ACR20 score. The company is currently enrolling up to 200 patients in a Phase II efficacy trial employing multiple doses of 5G1.1.
Carolyn Bertozzi, an organic chemist at the University of California Berkeley, receives the 1999 Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award for her work on using sugars attached to cell surfaces to understand and treat diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. Her research focuses on how sugar molecules direct cell communication within tissues.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that green tea polyphenols may help prevent and reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that mice given green tea polyphenols were significantly less likely to develop arthritis, with only 44% developing the condition compared ...
The US FDA approves ENBREL, a biologic response modifier, for moderately to severely active polyarticular-course juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in patients with an inadequate response to other treatments. The treatment has shown a clinical response in 74% of study participants.
The six-month study demonstrated significant improvement in symptoms and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, establishing a foundation for FDA approval of ENBREL. The results support the use of etanercept as an additional treatment option for these patients.
Researchers found that injecting methotrexate significantly improved patient health and reduced costs for those with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The study involved 52 patients, with 73% switching to injection treatment due to dissatisfaction with oral method side effects.
A nationwide effort to find genes that determine susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis has been launched, with researchers collecting medical information and genetic material from 1,000 families. The project aims to identify genetic regions shared by affected siblings, which may contain genes involved in the disease.