Enbrel improves two measures of remission

Data presented at the European League Against Rheumatism Annual Congress of Rheumatology, held in Paris, France, show that 80% of patients with early active rheumatoid arthritis achieved radiographic remission at one year with Wyeth's Enbrel (etanercept) plus methotrexate, compared to 59% on MTX alone.

According to the US drug major, the COMET trial is the first major study to use remission as its primary endpoint in patients with early active RA treated with a biologic. Patients on the combination containing the anti-tumor necrosis factor drug achieved clinical remission (Disease Activity Score using 28 joint counts < 2.6), and nearly 55% achieved functional remission (Health Assessment Questionnaire < 0.5), compared to 28% and 39%, respectively, with MTX alone.

"Until recently, we did not know whether remission was a realistic or even achievable goal," said Paul Emery, lead COMET trial investigator. "We now have results which show that, not only is clinical remission achievable in a significant number of patients, but radiographic and functional remission are also achievable. These exciting results lead to the next therapeutic step in aiming for multiple measures of remission as our treatment goal, no longer just one. Given that these levels of remission have not previously been seen and represent the optimal goal, these results will lead to the need for treatment of RA with an anti-TNF treatment option such as etanercept at the earliest appropriate opportunity to halt disease progression," he added.