Abbott releases new Humira study

Abbott Laboratories has released a new study which examines the rate of uveitis (inflammation of the eye) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients who have been treated with Humira.

The study found that AS patients treated with Humira showed a decrease in the rate of uveitis flares by around 50 per cent compared to patients treated with a placebo.

Study data, presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in Boston, was drawn from Abbott’s Rhapsody trial which is designed to examine the effectiveness of Humira in treating the symptoms of AS in patients who have not seen progress with other treatment.

Martin Rudwaleit, the lead author of the trial, illustrated how uveitis was fairly common but a potentially serious complication in patients with AS.

“This study is an example of the research needed to better understand this condition and the impact it has on these patients,” he said.

AS is an inflammatory disease of the spine but may also be associated with inflammation in the skin, eyes and intestines with uveitis occurring in up to 40 per cent of people with AS and which can lead to eye damage and blindness.

Last month, Abbott was ranked as a top company for diversity by both Fortune magazine and US Black Engineer and Information Technology.