Results of a double-blind study with indomethacin and indoprofen, a new non-steroidal antirheumatic agent

Indoprofen, a new non-steroidal antirheumatic agent, was tested in a controlled, double-blind, cross-over study versus indomethacin and placebo, in 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study consisted of three fourteen-day treatment periods. At the end of the trial 14 patients expressed a preference for the indoprofen therapy (200 mg q.i.d.), 10 patients for indomethacin (25 mg q.i.d.) and 5 patients decided in favour of the placebo. Judging from the patients' assessment of spontaneous pain, a complete analgesic effect was observed in 44% of the patients under indoprofen, in 26% under indomethacin and in 13% under placebo. Indoprofen showed good efficacy on all the other parameters measured (Ritchie's index, morning stiffness, number of painful and swollen joints, and grip strength) and good clinical and biological safety.