Randomized, double-blind trial of anti-interferon-gamma antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis.
BACKGROUND
An increasing body of evidence indicates that interferon (IFN )-gamma is an immunoregulator and may play a key role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA).


OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy and tolerability of anti-IFN-gamma in patients with active RA.


METHODS
In a randomized, double-blind trial, 30 patients with active RA were randomly assigned to receive intramuscular injections of anti-IFN-gamma, anti-TNF-alpha, or placebo for 5 consecutive days.


RESULTS
Both anti-cytokines were significantly superior to placebo. Patients stopping treatment due to lack of efficacy included I receiving anti-TNF-alpha, 2 receiving anti-IFN-gamma, and 9 receiving placebo. According to the physician's assessment, improvement was achieved by the 7th day in 9 patients receiving anti-TNF-alpha, 7 receiving anti-IFN-gamma, and 2 receiving placebo. By day 28 the corresponding figures were 8, 8, and 0, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Antibodies to IFN-gamma could be a promising approach to treating RA, especially its treatment-resistant forms.
Sigidin
Y A
YA
Rheumatology Institute, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow.
Loukina
G V
GV
Skurkovich
B
B
Skurkovich
S
S
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000276:immunology
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D007371:Interferon-gamma