The Science of MabThera® (rituximab)
MabThera® (rituximab) provides a fundamentally different treatment approach for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and has an established efficacy and safety profile based on several clinical trials (Cohen et al. 2006; Emery et al. 2006; Edwards et al. 2004).The initial label for MabThera is in combination with methotrexate for the treatment of adult patients with severe, active RA who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including one or more tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor therapies. TNF inhibitor therapy is less than optimal in at least one-third of RA patients (Moreland 2005) owing to inadequate efficacy, intolerance or compliance problems. MabThera represents a new treatment option for these patients, who until recently had limited therapeutic alternatives. Further information about MabThera in rheumatoid arthritis can be accessed in this area.