Controlled trial of methotrexate versus CH-1504 in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the clinical efficacy, safety, tolerability, and toxicity profile of a metabolically stable antifolate, CH-1504, compared to methotrexate (MTX) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).


METHODS
A 24-week open-label trial of MTX and CH-1504 was performed in 20 patients with RA.


RESULTS
Improvements in clinical and laboratory indicators were observed in both study groups. Improvement in the CH-1504 group was greater than in the MTX group. Both treatments were generally well tolerated; however, the liver function test abnormalities and gastrointestinal related adverse events expected with this class of medication were not seen with CH-1504.


CONCLUSIONS
CH-1504 appears to be clinically efficacious and may possess a superior safety and tolerance profile compared to MTX.
Castaneda
Oswaldo
O
Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.
Nair
M Gopal
MG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000630:Aminopterin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005493:Folic Acid Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged
C512248:4'-methylene-5,8,10-trideazaaminopterin; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D005493:Folic Acid Antagonists; D000630:Aminopterin; D008727:Methotrexate