Question
My husband had found great relief from two injections a week with the Enbrel. He is able to do push ups and some weight lifting. Thank God, for this drug. My question is are they doing any research into making the drug into and oral medication vs. injectable? Are there any new advances with anyother medications?
Answer
There is considerable research to develop an oral TNF inhibitor. Given the success of Enbrel, Remicade and Humira, there is no doubt that TNF inhibition is important in the treatment of RA and other inflammatory diseases. Enbrel is formally being considered by the FDA for approval for the inidcation of AS treatment. With the solid evidence from the published clinical trials, there seems to be no doubt that it will be approved. I would expect that the other TNF inhibitors, Humira and Remicade, will seek approval as well.
