Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with a recombinant human tumor necrosis factor receptor (p75)-Fc fusion protein
Article Abstract:
A fusion protein consisting of the p75 receptor for tumor necrosis factor and a portion of human IgG1 (TNFR:Fc) appears to provide substantial symptom relief in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. TNFR:Fc blocks the binding of tumor necrosis factor, which is an inflammatory chemical produced in joints. Researchers randomly gave 180 patients subcutaneous injections of one of three doses of TNFR:Fc or placebo twice a week for three months. The highest dose of TNFR:Fc led to improvements in 20% or more symptoms compared to 14% in the placebo group. It reduced the number of tender or swollen joints 61% compared to 25% in the placebo group.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1997
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Anticytokine therapy in rheumatoid arthritis
Article Abstract:
Reports of the successful treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with anticytokines need to be confirmed by long-term studies. Anticytokines are drugs that block the action of cytokines, which are inflammatory chemicals found in the joints of some arthritis patients. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is one of the major cytokines in the arthritic joint. A 1997 study found that the TNF receptor joined to part of the IgG molecule reduced symptoms and the number of swollen joints. However, the drug had to be given as an injection and there is no evidence yet that it will be effective over the long-term.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1997
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Rheumatoid arthritis: anticytokine therapies on the horizon
Article Abstract:
Researchers are testing drugs that block the action of cytokines in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Cytokines are chemicals produced by the immune system. Some cytokines are involved in the inflammatory process that destroys the joints of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha are the best known inflammatory cytokines. A monoclonal antibody against TNF reduced joint swelling in one human study. These results have been confirmed in animal studies. However, little is known about the long-term toxicity of these drugs.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1998
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