Research Watch, Arthritis Drugs, February 2007

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The Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Biologics for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis

Journal: The Journal of Rheumatology 2006 Dec;33(12):2398-408

Summary: Biologics are associated with rare but severe adverse events such as serious infections, lymphoma or chronic heart failure. In a systematic review, we assessed the comparative efficacy and safety of biologic agents for rheumatoid arthritis. The only evidence directly comparing two biologic agents was a nonrandomized, open-label trial that found no differences in effectiveness and safety between etanercept and infliximab. Anti-TNF drugs appear to be more efficacious than anakinra, although …