Enbrel study shows effectiveness on arthritis

COLLEGEVILLE, Pa., and THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. A study has found that when given early in the onset of rheumatoid arthritis in combination with other therapies, Amgen’s drug Enbrel (etanercept) can reduce its symptoms, Amgen and drug co-promoter Wyeth announced Tuesday.

The study, known as COMET, examined 542 patients in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis who had not used the generic arthritis drug methotrexate. Fifty percent of patients who received both drugs experienced disease remission, compared to 28 percent of patients who received only methotrexate. At the same time, 80 percent had no progression of joint damage.

Amgen reported 2007 sales of Enbrel of $3.2 billion. Wyeth reported sales of $2.04 billion for the same period.