Anti-TNF agent described as effective in refractory AS

Infliximab may present an alternative treatment option for ankylosing spondylitis that has failed to adequately respond to conventional therapy, according to recent findings.To build on previous research examining the efficacy of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in reducing AS disease activity, the research team, led by Dr. Desiree van de Heijde (University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands), conducted the current multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled study.Patients were allocated to receive 5mg/kg of infliximab (n=201) or placebo (n=78) at weeks 0, 2, 6, 12, and 18. Overall, 61.2% of infliximab patients reached the primary end point of at least 20% improvement, according to international ankylosing spondylitis assessment criteria (ASAS20), at week 24. This was the case in only 19.2% of placebo patients (pAdverse events were reported by 82.2% of patients receiving infliximab and by 72.0% of patients receiving placebo. The investigators comment that in most cases the adverse events were of a mild or moderate nature.In concluding, the researchers state that infliximab is well-tolerated and effective in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis who do not respond to conventional treatment.Reference...