Amgen and Wyeth reveal rheumatoid arthritis progress

Drug firms Amgen and Wyeth have found that a combination therapy of Enbrel and methotrexate can effectively reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

The firms explored the drugs’ potential in a long-term blind study named TEMPO, and discovered that two thirds of patients who took Enbrel and methotrexate experienced no joint damage within three years of starting the treatment.

The results were said to be better than those taken from Enbrel and methotrexate monothearpy studies, although patients receiving the former therapy were said to have seen better results than those simply on methotrexate.

Desiree van der Heijde, professor of rheumatology at the University of Maastricht, said: “Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition requiring long-term treatment. It is critical to provide patients with treatment options that not only reduce the signs and symptoms of the disease, but also inhibit the progression of joint damage.”

“The TEMPO results reinforce the benefits of Enbrel and methotrexate combination therapy and underscore the importance of effective treatment,” he added.

The study gave 686 patients Enbrel, methotrexate or both. The companies said that the drug was “generally well tolerated.”

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