Amevivie Slows Joint Damage In Psoriatic Arthritis
Biogen Idec Inc. said Tuesday a drug it sells to treat psoriasis appeared to slow joint damage in arthritis associated with the skin condition in a recent mid-stage trial.
In February, the biotechnology firm presented data from the first part of the study showing that its Amevive drug significantly improved the signs of symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. That data came from 185 patients given Amevive plus a common anti-inflammatory over 6 months, compared with those give the anti-inflammatory alone.
Cambridge, Mass.-based Biogen added Tuesday that x-rays of patients hands and feet showed that joint damage had progressed more slowly in those who took Amevive for 24 weeks. However, follow-up tests after another 6 months were inconclusive. The second-half of the study was "open label," meaning that patients were aware they were taking Amevive.
Psoriasis and associated psoriatic arthritis are disorders that are believed to result when the immune system begins acting abnormally, attacking healthy cells and causing inflammation.
Amevive works by suppressing some of the immune system's ability. The drug has led to serious liver injury in some patients.
In February, the biotechnology firm presented data from the first part of the study showing that its Amevive drug significantly improved the signs of symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. That data came from 185 patients given Amevive plus a common anti-inflammatory over 6 months, compared with those give the anti-inflammatory alone.
Cambridge, Mass.-based Biogen added Tuesday that x-rays of patients hands and feet showed that joint damage had progressed more slowly in those who took Amevive for 24 weeks. However, follow-up tests after another 6 months were inconclusive. The second-half of the study was "open label," meaning that patients were aware they were taking Amevive.
Psoriasis and associated psoriatic arthritis are disorders that are believed to result when the immune system begins acting abnormally, attacking healthy cells and causing inflammation.
Amevive works by suppressing some of the immune system's ability. The drug has led to serious liver injury in some patients.
posted by Nick Riley @ 5:03 AM
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