Remicade for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Clinical Response Tied to Changes in Blood Proteins

Remicade (infliximab) has been shown to improve the signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. According to the American College of Rheumatology, ankylosing spondylitis affects 129 of every 100,000 people in the United States. Psoriatic arthritis affects about 1 million of the 7.5 million people in the U.S. who have psoriasis. Researchers analyzed the effect of Remicade on four specific blood proteins (biomarkers):

• interleukin-6 (IL-6)
• vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
• C-reactive protein (CRP)
• Bone formation (bone alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin)

Remicade significantly reduced IL-6 and VEGF within two weeks of treatment for patients with the two inflammatory types of arthritis compared to placebo. Decreases in CRP levels were also observed. The changes in biomarker levels were associated with improvement in clinical response (symptoms) to treatment with Remicade. Researchers also concluded the biomarkers may help predict which patients will benefit from anti-TNF treatment in the future, according to information presented at the 2006 American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting.

Related Resources:

• The Facts of Remicade
• Psoriatic Arthritis Screening Quiz
• Ankylosing Spondylitis Screening Quiz
• Remicade, Humira, and Enbrel: How Are They Similar and Different?

_{Photo by Rob Bouwman (iStockphoto)}