March 16, 2016
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High rate of drug survival, reduced glucocorticoid use seen with TNFi for patients with PsA

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Patients with psoriatic arthritis who received tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, including adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab, had a high likelihood of drug continuation and reduced use of glucocorticoids after 4 years, according to recently published data.

Researchers analyzed data from 420 patients with psoriatic arthritis who initiated treatment with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab. No variations were seen among the groups in terms of age, sex or duration of disease, but patients who received infliximab (Remicade, Janssen) had higher disease activity and skin involvement.

At 4 years, 51% of the overall cohort continued on the initial therapy, with a mean survival time of 36.8 months. However, the survival rate for patients who received etanercept (Enbrel, Amgen) was the highest at 58.9%, while 44% of patients remained on infliximab and 43.9% remained on adalimumab (Humira, AbbVie). Women were more likely to discontinue treatment compared to men. Female sex was the greatest predictor of discontinuation, followed by disease duration. Compared to infliximab, patients who received etanercept had a 40% reduced hazard ratio of drug discontinuation.

The average daily intake of glucocorticoids was 5.6 mg per day at baseline, which was reduced to a mean of 4 mg per day at 4 years. A significantly lower number of patients received glucocorticoids at 2 years, 3 years and 4 years. – by Shirley Pulawski

Disclosure: Iannone reports the receipt of consulting fees, speaking fees or honoraria from Pfizer, Merck, Abbot and Bristol-Myers Squibb.