In a nutshell
This study investigated if bimekizumab and certolizumab pegol (Cimzia) is a safe and effective treatment combination in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
They found that this treatment combination improved RA symptoms and was well tolerated.
Some background
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition. It leads to painful swelling and inflammation in the joints. RA is treated with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) are DMARDs. Certolizumab pegol (CZP) is a TNFi. TNFi can be very effective. However, over time patients can develop an inadequate response (IR) to TNFi. It is unclear why.
Some studies suggest that immune cells called T helper 17 (Th17 cells) may become more active. Th17 cells release an inflammatory chemical called interleukin-17 (Il-17). Il-17 has 2 forms – Il-17A and IL17F. Bimekizumab (BMK) is a drug that targets all Il-17 forms. Combining a TNFi with anti-Il-17 drugs may improve RA management. It is unclear if combining BMK with CZP is safe and effective in RA.
Methods & findings
This study included 159 patients with RA. All patients were initially treated with CZP alone for 8 weeks. Patients with IR to CZP (79) were randomly allocated into one of two groups. One group received CZP and BMK. The second group received CZP and a placebo. The trial lasted 44 weeks. The main outcomes were RA disease activity and safety.
Disease activity scores were significantly improved in BMK + CZP patients. At week 20, more patients in the BMK + CZP had achieved remission compared to the placebo group.
The rate of side effects was higher in the BMK + CZP group (78.8% vs. 59.3%). The most common serious side effects were infections. Other side effects included the common cold and upper respiratory infections.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that BMK + CZP improved RA symptoms and was well tolerated.
The fine print
The number of patients in this study was relatively small. The study did not include a BMK only treatment group. More investigation is needed.
What’s next?
If you have any concerns regarding RA, please consult with your doctor.
Published By :
Annals of the rheumatic diseases
Date :
Jun 08, 2019
