Thymopentin (TP-5) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
A randomized control trial of TP-5 in rheumatoid arthritis is reported. In a multicentre study, 76 patients were treated with TP-5 50 mg or placebo three times a week for 3 weeks as a slow intravenous injection, and followed for 7 weeks. Clinical parameters such as the Ritchie index and sum score of swollen joints improved significantly on TP-5 compared to placebo. Laboratory parameters did not change but an increased skin test score to common recall antigens was observed. Toxicity was minimal. TP-5 is a potentially useful agent in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, although further studies are required to determine the optimal treatment regimen.
Kantharia
B K
BK
Royal National Hospital for Rhematic Diseases, University of Bath, UK.
Goulding
N J
NJ
Hall
N D
ND
Davies
J
J
Maddison
P J
PJ
Bacon
P A
PA
Farr
M
M
Wojtulewski
J A
JA
Englehart
K M
KM
Liyanage
S P
SP
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed / Q000276:immunology; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012882:Skin Tests; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification; D016305:Thymopentin; D013946:Thymopoietins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013951:Thymus Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D010446:Peptide Fragments; D013946:Thymopoietins; D013951:Thymus Hormones; D016305:Thymopentin