Private MD News

New rheumatoid arthritis drug shows promise

Updated: 2009-07-21 22:56:50 CST Category: Autoimmune Diseases

by Frank Mayweather

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis which causes joint pain and damage. It is believed to affect approximately 1.3 million people in the U.S., with about 75 percent of those being women. The disease primarily strikes those in between 40 and 60 years of age, although it can strike younger and older alike.

There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but there are treatments, including some experimental ones which are showing promising results.
Rigel Pharmaceuticals announced that its new drug, only called R788 while still in testing, showed significant improvement in patients suffering from the disease in a phase II clinical trial. The drug will now move onto the larger phase III if Rigel can find a corporate partner.

Rheumatoid arthritis testscan identify the rheumatoid factor antibody in the blood stream, which can be an early warning sign of possible development of the disease. Another blood test that may be effective looks for inflammatory processes which may indicate an autoimmune disorder.

The Mayo Clinic recommends seeking medical attention when there is swelling in multiple joints on both sides of the body accompanied by persistent swelling.

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