Spondyloarthropathies
Abstract #1116: Efficacy of Lower Dose Infliximab in Active Ankylosing Spondylitis: Interim Results of a Canadian Study
Authors: Inman, et. al.
Purpose: Infliximab is typically dosed at 5mg/kg. This study looked at the efficacy of lower dose (3mg/kg) Infliximab versus placebo in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
Methods: Patients received either Infliximab 3 mg/kg or placebo at weeks zero, 2, and 6, and then every eight weeks.
Results: 80 subjects (40 placebo, 40 Infliximab) were enrolled. Patients were evaluated at baseline and at week 12 looking at the BASDAI, BASFI, and BASGI as outcome measures. A mean change in all of these outcomes was found to be significant in the Infliximab group, but not in the placebo group.
Conclusion: Infliximab at lower dose was effective in reducing disease activity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis compared to placebo.
Comment: While this study shows efficacy of low-dose Infliximab, there is not a head-to-head comparison with higher doses. Additionally, there will need to be longer term outcomes measured in this group. This does allow consideration for a cost-saving strategy in the use of this medication.