Loading...
Two inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -- etanercept (Enbrel), which binds to TNF, and infliximab (Remicade), a monoclonal antibody against TNF -- now are available for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Findings from 2 large trials, funded by the drugs' manufacturers, add to the existing data.
In one study, 632 patients with early RA (mean duration, 1 year) who had not undergone previous methotrexate therapy were randomized to receive 1-year courses of either weekly oral methotrexate or twice-weekly subcutaneous etanercept (10 or 25 mg). Etanercept acted more rapidly than did methotrexate: Clinical improvement was significantly greater in the 25-mg etanercept group than in the methotrexate group during the first 6 months of trea…