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Novel therapies for ankylosing spondylitis
1Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, University of Alberta, 562 Heritage Medical Research Building, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2S2, Canada. walter.maksymowych@ualberta.ca
Current Rheumatology Reports
|May 28, 2005
Summary
Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha therapies like infliximab and etanercept show sustained efficacy and good tolerability for ankylosing spondylitis over three years. These treatments reduce healthcare utilization and may be disease-modifying.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) management has seen advancements with biologic therapies.
- Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNFα) agents are key in AS treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy and safety of anti-TNFα therapies in ankylosing spondylitis.
- To evaluate long-term outcomes and potential disease-modifying effects of these treatments.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of pivotal phase III trials and open extension studies of infliximab and etanercept.
- Assessment of clinical efficacy, safety, healthcare utilization, and biomarkers.
Main Results:
- Sustained efficacy of infliximab and etanercept for at least 3 years.
- Monotherapy is adequate and well-tolerated, with rare serious infections.
- Treatment reduces sick leave and hospitalizations; may be disease-modifying based on MRI and biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- Anti-TNFα therapies are effective and safe for long-term ankylosing spondylitis management.
- These agents offer clinical benefits and potential disease modification.
- Methotrexate may warrant re-evaluation for AS treatment.