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.