Novel PEGylated Anti-TNF Drug Cimzia Is First To Demonstrate X-ray Proof Of Significant Early Joint Protection In Rheumatoid Arthritis:
The first PEGylated, Fc-free, anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha agent Cimzia (certolizumab pegol), in development for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as an add-on therapy to methotrexate (MTX), has demonstrated X-ray evidence of ability to protect joints from structural damage at an unprecedented early stage (16 weeks). Even more remarkable is that the protective effect was demonstrated in patients apparently not responding to the drug clinically. The finding may have implications for future clinical trial design and treatment evaluation. There is growing recognition that early effective treatment in RA, especially aggressive disease, is vital to achieve remission before irreversible joint damage and loss of physical function occurs. Ideally patients should start treatment within 10 to 12 months of experiencing their first symptoms, say experts.
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