Amgen Releases Data on Arthritis Drug Trial

At the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, Amgen released data on a drug that has the potential to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Data from 419 patients in a trial of Amgen’s Kineret, combined with methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, showed that 42% of the Kineret/methotrexate patients achieved a meaningful clinical response, compared with 23% of patients receiving methotrexate alone. The most frequently reported adverse effect was injection site reaction.

Officials with Thousand Oaks-based Amgen said Kineret has the potential to reduce both inflammation and bone and cartilage destruction, thereby slowing the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a common form of arthritis that causes inflammation in the lining of the joints and other organs. It can cause damage to bone, cartilage, tendons and ligaments. This form of arthritis tends to last for many years and typically affects many different joints.