Study: Enbrel Effective for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Over 65

Enbrel (etanercept) appears to be effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis in people over the age of 65, according to a study reported in the April issue of the Journal of Rheumatology.

Enbrel, according to its manufacturer Amgen, is the only biologic therapy approved to treat the signs and symptoms of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. The drug binds itself to TNF and renders it inactive, which results in a significant reduction of inflammatory activity.

About three percent of Americans over the age of 65 years suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers compared the safety and efficacy of Enbrel in rheumatoid arthritis patients 65 years old and over to younger patients.

The study involved 1,128 patients, all of whom received etanercept injections twice weekly. Improvement in signs and symptoms was measured by the proportion of patients who achieved the American College of Rheumatology definition of improvement (ACR 20).

The researchers reported that clinical response was rapid and sustained and did not differ between age groups. At one year, improvement was found in 69 percent of patients younger than 65 years and 66 perecent of patients 65 years or older.

Enbrel appeared to be generally well-tolerated by both patient groups, according to the researches.

"Etanercept is a new treatment option for older patients with rheumatoid arthritis and has substantial benefit and comparable safety regardless of patient age," concluded the researchers.

Other sources: Journal of Rheumatology (2003;30:691-6)