Infusion of rituximab can delay onset of rheumatoid arthritis, says study
Results of a new study, presented at the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Congress 2016, suggest that a single infusion of the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab (Rituxan, Genentech, Inc) can delay the onset of rheumatoid arthritis for up to one year, in people at high risk of developing the disease.
The PRAIRI study involved 81 participants selected for high-risk features who were expected to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Participants chosen also had to have already experienced joint pain, been tested positive for both anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) and rheumatoid factor. They also had to have a C-reactive protein level of at least 3 mg/L or signs of of subclinical synovitis on ultrasound or MRI of the hands.
Once selected, 41 of the participants received a single infusion of 1000 mg of rituximab, and 40 received an infusion of placebo. All patients were treated with 100 mg of methylprednisolone prior to treatment to prevent infusion-type reactions.
At a median follow-up of 29 months, 30 of the total 81 participants had developed arthritis: 16 in the placebo group (40%) after a median of 1.5 months, and 14 in the rituximab group (34%) after a median of 16.5 months.
Although the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant, rituximab delayed occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis, explained Dr Danielle Gerlag, an employee of GlaxoSmithKline, UK.
“Unfortunately, we only saw a preventative effect of 12 months from rituximab, but this still proves that you can influence the usual trajectory towards the first clinical signs and symptoms of arthritis,” she told Medscape Medical News. “And I do think 12 months is clinically meaningful.”
For more in-depth features, interviews and information, subscribe to Arthritis Digest magazine, a popular title that’s published six times a year. Click here for the digital version or tel 0845 643 8470 to order your had copy. You’ll know what your doctor is talking about, what new drugs are in the pipeline and be up to date on helpful products.
