Biological agents cost effective in the treatment of RA

Biological agents have been shown to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) when used in clinical trials. These agents have also demonstrated their ability to retard joint damage and improve physical function, leading to better health-related QOL. Currently, there are a number of biological agents available in the US to treat RA, including adalimumab, anakinra, etanercept and infliximab. Researchers from the US evaluated the costs and outcomes associated with biological agents used to treat RA, and found that etanercept was the most cost-effective treatment option, whether used as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate.1 The results were presented at the Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) [Lisbon, Portugal; June 2003]. A second study presented at the meeting revealed that, compared with infliximab, etanercept was more effective and less costly in the treatment of RA,2 while a multinational investigative team showed that, in Portuguese patients with RA who were partially responsive to methotrexate, potential lifetime treatment with infliximab was cost effective.3 All three studies received financial support from Wyeth.