Enbrel (Etanercept®) approved for treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Etanercept, a TNF inhibitor, has received FDA approval for use in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Approval was based on clinical trial data which found significant improvements using the ASAS response criteria in patients receiving etanercept. (see data)

Ankylosing spondylitis is characterized by inflammation of the joints in the spine, which causes painful stiffening of the spine, often leading to fusion of the vertebrae which can leave the back curved and inflexible. In addition, AS can cause inflammation of peripheral and axial joints and tendons. With the approval of Etanercept, patients with AS have a treatment alternative.