This is a single site, placebo- controlled, double-blind study to test the efficacy of ENBREL (TNFR:Fc fusion protein) produced by Immunex in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. The protocol involves 40 patients randomized to either placebo or subcutaneous ENBREL twice weekly for 4 months. Outcomes will be measured with standard AS instruments. This is an important study that will provide the rational evidence to support administering ENBREL to AS patients.
Davis, John C; van der Heijde, Desiree; Dougados, Maxime et al. (2005) Reductions in health-related quality of life in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and improvements with etanercept therapy. Arthritis Rheum 53:494-501 |
Keller, C; Webb, A; Davis, J (2003) Cytokines in the seronegative spondyloarthropathies and their modification by TNF blockade: a brief report and literature review. Ann Rheum Dis 62:1128-32 |
Gorman, Jennifer D; Sack, Kenneth E; Davis Jr, John C (2002) Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis by inhibition of tumor necrosis factor alpha. N Engl J Med 346:1349-56 |