Loteprednol etabonate, a new soft steroid is effective in a rabbit acute experimental model for arthritis

Loteprednol etabonate, a new soft steroid designed for use as a local therapeutic, was compared to dexamethasone in rabbit experimental model for arthritis.

Joint inflammation was induced by local injection of antigen into the patellofemoral articulation in sensitized rabbits. Co-administration of either dexamethasone or loteprednol etabonate directly into the joint effectively blocked the inflammatory response. Both the synovial fluid cellular content and synovium histology were examined. The steroid treatments prevented the adverse inflammatory effects of antigen action. These results, together with previous studies showing decreased systemic activity of the soft steroid, indicate that the loteprednol etabonate could provide a therapeutic advantage over currently used intra-articular steroids for alleviating rheumatoid arthritis.