New Cimzia(R) Study Shows Rapid Reduction

Of Symptoms And Inhibition Of Joint Damage

Progression In RA

Taken from NRAS magazine, Winter 2008

This study, called RAPID (RA Prevention of structural Damage) 1 showed that certolizumab pegol together with methotrexate (MTX) rapidly reduced symptoms of disease and inhibited progression of joint damage in adult patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with sustained results for up to one year.

"In the RAPID 1 study, certolizumab pegol together with methotrexate had a rapid onset of action and inhibited structural damage early in adults with rheumatoid arthritis. This demonstrated a clear therapeutic benefit for patients with a reduction in swollen and tender joints, pain and fatigue as early as one week after treatment, and signs of preventing long-term structural damage by 16 weeks," said lead investigator Edward Keystone, M.D.

RAPID 1 and a simultaneous study, RAPID 2, are the first large, placebo-controlled Phase III trials demonstrating the efficacy and tolerability of certolizumab pegol in the treatment of RA, as part of a clinical trials program involving more than 2,300 patients.