Pfizer has highlighted new data from a clinical trial which demonstrates the effectiveness of its ankylosing spondylitis (AS) drug Enbrel.
According to results from the Ascend study, patients trialled using Enbrel over the course of the 36-week period demonstrated a superior clinical response to those using the commonly prescribed disease modifying antirheumatic drug sulphasalazine.
In addition, use of Pfizer's drug also helped to reduce the cost of managing the disease in terms of reducing the number of trips to physiotherapists and absences from work.
Robert Moots, professor of rheumatology at the University of Liverpool, said the data underlines the benefits of using biologics in the treatment of AS.
He added: "These results provide further support for the need for accurate diagnosis, rapid referral and appropriate treatment to ensure optimal patient outcomes and potential for prevention of disease progression."
Last week, Pfizer announced the creation of a new dedicated research unit for the study of new treatment options for rare diseases.
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