Proglumetacin (protacine): a promising new treatment of the rheumatic joint

Twenty-three out-patients with rheumatic disorders were treated over a period of 3 weeks with 450 mg proglumetacin per day, in two divided doses. Articular pain significantly decreased by 57% during the first week, and by 85% in Week 3. This was the result of two actions: a decrease in the number of painful joints, and in the intensity of pain in those still painful. The number of oedematous joints turned from swollen to normal in a proportion of 57% after 1 week and 87% after 3 weeks of treatment. These actions resulted in a significant recovery of mobility, expressed as both morning stiffness and hand grip strength. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and rheumatoid factor titre also improved significantly. Proglumetacin was well-tolerated by all patients.