He concluded, “Those patients with persistent disease activity after six months of therapy need to continue both biologic and methotrexate therapy in combination for at least two years to optimize the response to treatment. It is unclear from this study whether subsequent cessation of methotrexate can be considered.”
In North America, etanercept (Enbrel) is co-marketed by Amgen and Pfizer. The study was supported by Amgen Canada and Pfizer Canada. Dr. Haraoui has received support from Amgen and Pfizer. Other authors also have relationships with these companies and one is currently an employee of Amgen.
