Kineret Approved for Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Canada

Health Canada has approved a new drug for the treatment of pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Kineret (Anakinra), one of a new class of arthritis drugs called Interleukin-1 receptor antagonists, has been shown to reduce inflammation and pain as early as the first four weeks of treatment, as well as stopping the destruction of bone and cartilage.

Kineret was approved for use in the United States in November 2001.

"With this drug, we've found a completely novel way of treating the disease," said Dr. Eric Rich of Notre Dame Hospital in Montreal.

The drug contains a synthesized protein that blocks the action of another protein that causes swelling, stiffness and joint deterioration. The most common side effect of Kineret is redness and swelling at the site of injection.

Other sources: Montreal Gazette