Abbott’s Humira gets positive results in RA studies

The results of three studies presented at the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) revealed that Abbott’s Humira (adalimumab) allowed rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients to stay working for longer.

In the Prevention of Work Disability study, it was discovered that “significantly more” patients treated with methroxate (MTX) alone, compared to those using Humira and MTX, reported job loss, or imminent job loss, after 56 weeks.

Other results indicated Humira therapy allowed patients not only to stay working longer, but to take fewer absences. Greater improvements in work performance were also reported.

A second RA study presented at the EULAR annual congress in Barcelona suggested Humira and MTX-treated RA sufferers could perform their responsibilities “significantly” better after two years.

The final study showed patients could work longer when treated with Humira and MTX than MTX alone.

Paul Emery, professor of rheumatology at Leeds University, said: “The data show the treatment of Humira may allow patients to be more productive both at home and in the workplace”.

According to Abbott, five million people between 25 and 55 currently suffer from RA.

Meanwhile, the group has recently been recognised with a business excellence award for “outstanding results” in fighting HIV and Aids in Tanzania.