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Randomized, double-blind trial of anti-interferon-gamma antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis
Y A Sigidin1, G V Loukina, B Skurkovich
1Rheumatology Institute, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow.
Introduction:
An increasing body of evidence indicates that interferon (IFN )-gamma is an immunoregulator and may play a key role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Objective:
To assess the efficacy and tolerability of anti-IFN-gamma in patients with active RA.
Methods:
In a randomized, double-blind trial, 30 patients with active RA were randomly assigned to receive intramuscular injections of anti-IFN-gamma, anti-TNF-alpha, or placebo for 5 consecutive days.
Results:
Both anti-cytokines were significantly superior to placebo. Patients stopping treatment due to lack of efficacy included I receiving anti-TNF-alpha, 2 receiving anti-IFN-gamma, and 9 receiving placebo. According to the physician's assessment, improvement was achieved by the 7th day in 9 patients receiving anti-TNF-alpha, 7 receiving anti-IFN-gamma, and 2 receiving placebo. By day 28 the corresponding figures were 8, 8, and 0, respectively.
Conclusion:
Antibodies to IFN-gamma could be a promising approach to treating RA, especially its treatment-resistant forms.