Etanercept in severe active rheumatoid arthritis: first Australian experience

Background: Etanercept reduces disease activity in adults with chronic rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who are resistant to other therapies. Medicare Australia Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme subsidized treatment (since August 2003) restricts etanercept availability to a most drug‐resistant RA population. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of etanercept in this unique group after 12 months of therapy. Methods: A prospective study of the first 50 consecutive private practice, adult RA patients whom were commenced on etanercept. The primary efficacy measures included short form 36 scores, Disease Activity Score 28, American College of Rheumatology (ACR) response improvement in per cent and the ACR individual core set components at baseline, 3 and 12 months. Analysis was by intention to treat. Results: There was significant improvement in all mean short form 36 component scores (P