Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have shown a positive response to some experimental drugs. They experienced decrease in the pain and swelling in joints after taking these genetically engineered drugs. The drugs inhibit the action of a substance called tumour necrosis factor (TNF) that is responsible for the severe pain and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis. Michael Winblatt of Brigham and Woman's Hospital, Boston, USA, studied 234 patients with active, long-standing rheumatoid arthritis. Some patients who were given 25 mg injections of Enbrel experienced 71 per cent relief in painful joints. Enbrel has been developed by Immunex Corp, Seatle, USA. Another drug, Avakine, developed by Centocor Inc, Malvern, Pennsylvania, USA, has shown similar results.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.