Abbott data shows Humira benefits for ankylosing spondylitis

Abbott has published new clinical data that shows the long-term benefits of its drug Humira among ankylosing spondylitis patients.

The five-year open-label Atlas extension study has shown that the drug is able to deliver a positive impact on the signs and symptoms of the disease among patients with active ankylosing spondylitis.

Benefits were noted in terms of spinal mobility, fatigue levels, peripheral joint pain, localised tenderness and morning stiffness, which helped to enhance the patients' quality of life.

It is thought that this autoimmune condition currently affects around one percent of the world's population, with spinal fusion due to new bone formation resulting in the most serious cases.

Dr John Leonard, senior vice-president for global pharmaceuticals research and development at Abbott, said: "Humira is among the first TNF inhibitors to present five years of efficacy data in ankylosing spondylitis."

This follows the publication of data earlier this week showing the benefits of the drug to axial spondyloarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients earlier this week.