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New data presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2010) provide further evidence to support the use of etanercept in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a debilitating and frequently misdiagnosed condition that leads to functional decline, significant reduction in patient quality of life and substantial costs to society.
Findings presented on etanercept from the Ankylosing Spondylitis Study Comparing ENbrel with Sulphasalazine Dosed Weekly (ASCEND) illustrate
- Superior efficacy of etanercept versus the commonly prescribed disease modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) sulphasalazine, with improved clinical response seen in patients who switched treatment to etanercept
- Greater clinical and functional benefits seen in patients with early disease using etanercept
- Substantial reductions in disease costs seen with use of etanercept
“These data reinforce the advantages of biologics use in treating AS, both from a disease-management and cost-burden perspective. Significant diagnostic delays of up to eleven years have been reported in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and these results provide further support for the need for accurate diagnosis, rapid referral and appropriate treatment to ensure optimal patient outcomes and potential for prevention of disease progression,” said Professor Robert Moots, Professor of Rheumatology, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.
