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Drug slows early stage arthritis

Rituximab, marketed as MabThera is currently a drug reserved for advance rheumatoid arthritis, however new research has shown the drug could save thousands of people with early stage disease from disability.

Ritucimab is currently only used should other arthritis drugs (TNF treatments) have failed. However the findings, based on studies of 755 patients, showed that Rituximab not only reduces symptoms but slows joint damage to almost a complete stop if used early enough. Around 70% of the patients treated within six months of their first symptoms developed no joint damage over the first 12 months.

Rituximab is a more expensive drug, however given the continued use required of other treatments Rituximab could ultimately save the NHS money when used earlier on in treatment.

Source : BBC News
Date : 16/06/2009

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