Golimumab 'improves psoriatic arthritis symptoms'
The latest anti-TNF drug, golimumab, has been found to improve the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis in a Phase III clinical trial.
Scientists from the University of California announced these findings at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting.
The researchers studied 405 patients with psoriatic arthritis, who were divided into three groups – golimumab 50mg, golimumab 100mg, and placebo.
The drug was administered to the patients through subcutaneous injections every four weeks.
Results revealed that 52 per cent and 61 per cent of patients receiving golimumab 50mg and 100mg respectively achieved at least 20 per cent improvement in signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis by week 24.
"These findings show golimumab to be promising in improving multiple aspects of psoriatic arthritis, including key areas such as physical function and productivity," said Dr Philip Mease, lead author of the study.
"The results demonstrate that the effectiveness of golimumab extends beyond the categories of signs and symptoms and improved the lives of patients and those who care for them as measured through this analysis."
A spokeswoman for the Arthritis Research Campaign, which pioneered and developed anti-TNF therapy, said that drug was already showing great promise for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
"The fact that latest trial data also shows it is also effective in psoriatic arthritis is welcome news for sufferers of this rarer type of inflammatory arthritis," she added.
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