Certolizumab pegol RAPIDly rising in RA

Certolizumab pegol [Cimzia] is associated with a rapid and significant reduction in the signs and symptoms of active rheumatoid arthritis, according to the results of the RAPID studies, presented at this year's European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Congress [Barcelona, Spain; June 2007]. Twenty-four week results for the RAPID 1 trial were presented, demonstrating a significantly higher ACR20 response rate in patients receiving certolizumab pegol in addition to methotrexate, than in those receiving methotrexate alone. The results of the RAPID 2 trial were also presented at the meeting, and the study findings supported those of the RAPID 1 trial. Furthermore, a third study presented at the EULAR congress demonstrated significantly improved outcomes with certolizumab pegol as monotherapy, compared with placebo, in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.