Enbrel, Remicade Recommended for Treating Severe Arthritis in UK

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence has recommended two drugs for use in the treatment of severe arthritis in adults and children in the United Kingdom.

"The Institute's guidance on the use of etanercept and infliximab is positive news for people with rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, offering them access to treatments that have previously been subject to postcode prescribing," said Andrew Dillon, Chief Executive of the Institute.

Enbrel (etanercept) is recommended for use in children who have active juvenile idiopathic arthritis in at least five joints, and do not tolerate or respond well to treatment with methotrexate.

Both Enbrel, and Remicade (infliximab) in combination with methotrexate, may be used by adults who have not responded well to treatment with at least two disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, such as methotrexate.

Other sources:National Institute for Clinical Excellence