Enbrel safety study for jra | Arthritis Information

http://www.abstractsonline.com/viewer/viewAbstract.asp?CKey={D0560B4E-4395-430A-806E-0BD1E5586DAE}&MKey={29E0DE0E-CB53-401E-8340-93F03E4BCC97}&AKey={AA45DD66-F113-4CDD-8E62-01A05F613C0D}&SKey={3321B08F-1E47-45B8-877D-7EFF58626F01}

The good news is, this study shows Enbrel is apparently safe for three years (length of study). Looks like a very low incidence of adverse events.

Bad news? Does it work?

Total of 601 patients enrolled, on either MTX, Enbrel, or MTX/Enbrel combo. After three years, 159 (26%) remain in the study.

Is that because Enbrel works so well, they are in remisssion? You be the judge. Here are the percentages for "discontinued due to remission":

MTX 12%; Enbrel 7%, MTX/Enbrel 4%.

We were always told Enbrel works better with MTX, but not according to this, if I read it right. And they do try to make it hard to read, in my opinion. 'Good' numbers are right beside the drug, 'bad' ones seemed separated - like the meds are listed, then the figures are listed 'respectively'. Check it out for yourself.