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Disease modification in rheumatoid arthritis with leflunomide
1Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University of Leeds, United Kingdom.
Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. Supplement
|February 11, 2000
Summary
Leflunomide effectively slows rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease progression, reducing joint damage compared to placebo. This novel disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) demonstrates significant therapeutic potential in early RA treatment.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involves chronic inflammation leading to irreversible joint damage.
- Early aggressive therapy with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is crucial due to rapid joint damage in early RA stages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of leflunomide in slowing radiographic disease progression in RA patients.
- To compare leflunomide's effects against methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and placebo.
Main Methods:
- Two large, placebo-controlled, randomized Phase III studies (N=580) were conducted.
- Radiographic analysis of structural joint damage using x-ray scores assessed disease progression.
Main Results:
- Leflunomide, methotrexate, and sulfasalazine significantly slowed disease progression compared to placebo (P < 0.01).
- Leflunomide demonstrated similar efficacy to sulfasalazine at 6 months.
- Leflunomide showed superior efficacy over methotrexate at 12 months (P < 0.049).
Conclusions:
- Leflunomide effectively slows disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis.
- The findings confirm leflunomide's disease-modifying potential in RA treatment.