In a nutshell
This study looked at the effectiveness of a combination of certolizumab pegol (Cimzia) and methotrexate (Rheumatrex) in treating early stage rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The authors concluded that this combination of drugs was considerably effective in RA patients.
Some background
In RA, the immune system attacks the healthy joints the way it would a virus or bacteria. It is believed that treatment of RA at an early stage will help prevent long-term joint damage.
Certolizumab pegol is a common biological drug used to treat RA. This drug works by blocking the activity of proteins that are known to contribute to the over-activation of the immune system. It is thought to cause less side effects than some other similar drugs. A combination of certolizumab pegol and methotrexate has proven to be effective in patients with long-term RA. Recently it has been shown that this combination of drugs could be an effective treatment in early stage RA.
Methods & findings
RA patients who had never received treatment with any disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) were chosen for this study. All patients were at an early stage of their diagnosis.
660 patients were treated with the combination of certolizumab pegol and methotrexate (group 1) and 219 patients received a combination of a placebo (substance with no effect on the body) and methotrexate (group 2). All patients were treated for a total of 52 weeks.
28.9% of the patients in group 1 saw continued remission (no disease activity) compared to just 15% of group 2. Disease activity was lowered in 43.8% of group 1 compared to 28.6% of group 2. Physical function was also seen to improve more in group 1 than in group 2.
The bottom line
This study concluded that treatment with a combination of certolizumab pegol and methotrexate can significantly lower disease activity in patients with early stage RA.
The fine print
Adverse side effects were seen in both groups. The study was only carried out on patients who had never received any previous treatment with DMARDs.
What’s next?
Consult with your physician regarding suitable treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.
Published By :
Annals of the rheumatic diseases
Date :
May 10, 2016
