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<p align="left"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4" color="#FF0000"><u><strong>Latest
Research</strong></u></font></p>
<font FACE="Arial" SIZE="4"><i><b>

<p><font color="#400080">Enbrel: The Long-Awaited TNF Inhibitor is Available</font></b></i></font><br>
<font FACE="Arial">The FDA recently licensed a genetically engineered protein that helps
reduce symptoms of moderate to severe, active Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). RA affects over
two million Americans and is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks self-tissues.
The new treatment, called <b>Enbrel</b>, binds to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a
naturally occurring protein in the body, and inhibits its action. TNF, which is believed
to promote inflammation in the body, is found at elevated levels in the fluid surrounding
the affected joints of RA patients. <b>Enbrel</b> injections are currently available
through your physician. </p>
<b>

<p>Enbrel</b> is an entirely new approach to the management of RA. It is the first in a
new class of drugs known as <i>biologic response modifiers</i>, which specifically
interrupt the inflammatory process. In clinical studies, patients taking <b>Enbrel</b> had
significantly reduced pain and the number of swollen and tender joints. The drug is
intended for those RA patients with moderate to severe RA who have not been able to
achieve relief with one or more disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as
methotrexate. It may also be used in combination with methotrexate. <i>Known side effects
are</i>: Mild to moderate injection site reactions. The long-term effects, on the
development or course of serious infection, malignancy and autoimmune disease are unknown.
Patients with a serious infection, or who are allergic to <b>Enbrel</b> or any of its
components should not take this medicine.</p>

<p>For more information, please consult your physician, call the Immunex Corporation at
1-888-4ENBREL, or visit the company-sponsored web site, <strong><a
HREF="http://www.Enbrelinfo.com/">www.Enbrelinfo.com</a></strong>.</font><font
FACE="Arial" SIZE="4"><b></p>

<p><font color="#400080">Arava approved for RA Treatment</font></b></font><br>
<font FACE="Arial">In September, the FDA approved <b>Arava</b> (leflunomide) as a new
treatment for adult RA. This drug, which is taken in tablet form, inhibits at least one
enzyme in lymphocytes (cells of the immune system) and thereby interferes with the RA
disease process. In clinical trials, patients taking <b>Arava</b> showed significant
improvement in pain and swelling of joints and joint damage seemed to be retarded. <i>Known
side effects are</i>: Not recommended for patients with significant liver disease,
children, pregnant or nursing women. Patients may experience diarrhea or, rarely, liver
problems, hair loss, skin rash or hypertension.</p>
</font><b><font FACE="Arial" SIZE="4"><i>

<p><font color="#400080">Cox-2 Inhibitors: Pain Relief without Stomach Upset?</font></i></font><br>
<font FACE="Arial">Therapy expected to benefit those with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
arthritis<br>
</b>As many as 107,000 hospitalizations and 16,500 deaths occur each year in the United
States as a result of the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as
ibuprofren, naproxen and aspirin. These drugs help pain management of arthritis, but
patients may develop moderate to severe gastrointestinal problems. One solution may be a
new class of drugs which has been being developed by G.D. Searle &amp; Co., and also by
Merck &amp; Co. These drugs are known as COX-2 inhibitors and are aimed at reducing the
adverse effects on the gastrointestinal system. The test results are promising: the drugs
seem to target the COX-2 enzyme, produced primarily at the site of inflammation, while <em>not
</em>inhibiting the COX-1 enzyme, which is needed for proper digestive function. It is the
inhibition of COX-1, which is believed to be the cause of serious gastro-intestinal side
effects, such as ulcers, which have been associated with the use of NSAIDs.<b></p>
</b>

<p>Searle&#146;s <b>Celebrex</b> received FDA approval in early January, 1999. The drug is
still in the testing phase at this time. You can visit Searle at their web site to obtain
current information: <strong><a HREF="http://www.searlehealthnet.com/">www.searlehealthnet.com</a></strong>.
<b>Vioxx</b> is the COX-2 inhibitor drug which Merck &amp; Co. is currently testing and is
on the fast track for approval by the FDA.</font><font FACE="Arial" SIZE="4"><b></p>

<p><font color="#400080">Lyme Disease Vaccine receives FDA Approval</font></b></font><br>
<font FACE="Arial">LYMErix, a vaccine for the prevention of Lyme disease, received
approval for use from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December. Lyme disease, an
illness borne by ticks, is a potentially serious multi-stage bacterial infection, with
symptoms ranging from a skin rash and flu-like symptoms to arthritis and heart
abnormalities.</p>

<p>The vaccine is manufactured by SmithKline Beecham and should be considered by people
who live in or travel to tick-infested areas.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</font><b><u><font face="Times New Roman" size="4" color="#FF0000">Just approved
by the FDA!</font></u><font FACE="Arial" SIZE="4"></p>
<i>

<p><font color="#400080">Non-Drug Treatment Alternative: Prosorba Column</font></i></font></b><font
FACE="Arial"></p>

<p>The FDA Gastroenterology and Urology Device Advisory Panel recommended approval for the
treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis of <b>Prosorba Column</b>. This
treatment has been used to treat Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), an immune
blood disorder, since 1987. Prosorba Column will now be used to treat RA, as well.</p>
<b>

<p>Prosorba Column</b> is a plastic cylinder that contains highly purified protein A
immobilized on an inert silica matrix. The protein A Binds to and removes antibodies,
including antigens that contribute to the symptoms of RA. The standard course of treatment
involves 12 weekly outpatient sessions. Each session takes approximately two hours. In a
process similar to kidney dialysis, blood is removed from the patient&#146;s arm and
passed through a machine that separates the blood cells from the plasma. The plasma is
then passed through the <b>Prosorba Column</b>, recombined with the blood cells and
finally returned to the patient through the other arm.</p>

<p>In clinical trials across the country, patients who had failed with DMARDs (such as
methotrexate) underwent 12 <b>Prosorba Column</b> treatments. Nearly half showed
significant clinical improvement as measured by stringent American College of Rheumatology
criteria. Patients showed significant reduction in swollen and tender joint counts and the
response was durable, some lasting as long as 75 weeks.</font></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p align="center"><a href="contact.htm"><img src="IMAGES/contact.jpg" alt="Contact Us"
align="middle" border="0" hspace="3" width="63" height="63"></a></p>
<p align="center">&nbsp;</p>

<p align="center"><font face="Arial">The information provided in the Arthritis National
Research Foundation&#146;s web page is for educational purposes only. It is not designed
to provide medical advice. The foundation provides funding for young investigators seeking
the causes and treatment of rheumatic diseases. Please consult your own healthcare
provider regarding any medical issues relating to diseases, conditions, symptoms,
diagnosis, treatments and side effects. </font></p>

<hr color="#FF0000" width="640">

<p align="center"><a href="about.htm">[Meet the ANRF]</a> <a href="whatis.htm">[Latest
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Sponsors]</a> <a href="awards.htm">[Awards]</a><br>
<a href="grant.htm">[Grant Application Guidelines</a> <a href="cureart1.htm">[<em>Cure</em>Arthritis
Newsletter]</a> <a href="useful.htm">[Arthritis Info &amp; Links]</a> <a
href="contact.htm">[Contact Us]</a></p>

<p align="center"><b><font color="#0000FF">This page, and all the contents of this Web
site,<br>
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	<hr color="#FF0000" width="640">

	<p align="left"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4" color="#FF0000"><u><strong>Latest
	Research</strong></u></font></p>
	<font FACE="Arial" SIZE="4"><i><b>

	<p><font color="#400080">Enbrel: The Long-Awaited TNF Inhibitor is Available</font></b></i></font><br>
	<font FACE="Arial">The FDA recently licensed a genetically engineered protein that helps
	reduce symptoms of moderate to severe, active Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). RA affects over
	two million Americans and is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks self-tissues.
	The new treatment, called <b>Enbrel</b>, binds to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a
	naturally occurring protein in the body, and inhibits its action. TNF, which is believed
	to promote inflammation in the body, is found at elevated levels in the fluid surrounding
	the affected joints of RA patients. <b>Enbrel</b> injections are currently available
	through your physician. </p>
	<b>

	<p>Enbrel</b> is an entirely new approach to the management of RA. It is the first in a
	new class of drugs known as <i>biologic response modifiers</i>, which specifically
	interrupt the inflammatory process. In clinical studies, patients taking <b>Enbrel</b> had
	significantly reduced pain and the number of swollen and tender joints. The drug is
	intended for those RA patients with moderate to severe RA who have not been able to
	achieve relief with one or more disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as
	methotrexate. It may also be used in combination with methotrexate. <i>Known side effects
	are</i>: Mild to moderate injection site reactions. The long-term effects, on the
	development or course of serious infection, malignancy and autoimmune disease are unknown.
	Patients with a serious infection, or who are allergic to <b>Enbrel</b> or any of its
	components should not take this medicine.</p>

	<p>For more information, please consult your physician, call the Immunex Corporation at
	1-888-4ENBREL, or visit the company-sponsored web site, <strong><a
	HREF="http://www.Enbrelinfo.com/">www.Enbrelinfo.com</a></strong>.</font><font
	FACE="Arial" SIZE="4"><b></p>

	<p><font color="#400080">Arava approved for RA Treatment</font></b></font><br>
	<font FACE="Arial">In September, the FDA approved <b>Arava</b> (leflunomide) as a new
	treatment for adult RA. This drug, which is taken in tablet form, inhibits at least one
	enzyme in lymphocytes (cells of the immune system) and thereby interferes with the RA
	disease process. In clinical trials, patients taking <b>Arava</b> showed significant
	improvement in pain and swelling of joints and joint damage seemed to be retarded. <i>Known
	side effects are</i>: Not recommended for patients with significant liver disease,
	children, pregnant or nursing women. Patients may experience diarrhea or, rarely, liver
	problems, hair loss, skin rash or hypertension.</p>
	</font><b><font FACE="Arial" SIZE="4"><i>

	<p><font color="#400080">Cox-2 Inhibitors: Pain Relief without Stomach Upset?</font></i></font><br>
	<font FACE="Arial">Therapy expected to benefit those with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
	arthritis<br>
	</b>As many as 107,000 hospitalizations and 16,500 deaths occur each year in the United
	States as a result of the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as
	ibuprofren, naproxen and aspirin. These drugs help pain management of arthritis, but
	patients may develop moderate to severe gastrointestinal problems. One solution may be a
	new class of drugs which has been being developed by G.D. Searle & Co., and also by
	Merck & Co. These drugs are known as COX-2 inhibitors and are aimed at reducing the
	adverse effects on the gastrointestinal system. The test results are promising: the drugs
	seem to target the COX-2 enzyme, produced primarily at the site of inflammation, while <em>not
	</em>inhibiting the COX-1 enzyme, which is needed for proper digestive function. It is the
	inhibition of COX-1, which is believed to be the cause of serious gastro-intestinal side
	effects, such as ulcers, which have been associated with the use of NSAIDs.<b></p>
	</b>

	<p>Searles <b>Celebrex</b> received FDA approval in early January, 1999. The drug is
	still in the testing phase at this time. You can visit Searle at their web site to obtain
	current information: <strong><a HREF="http://www.searlehealthnet.com/">www.searlehealthnet.com</a></strong>.
	<b>Vioxx</b> is the COX-2 inhibitor drug which Merck & Co. is currently testing and is
	on the fast track for approval by the FDA.</font><font FACE="Arial" SIZE="4"><b></p>

	<p><font color="#400080">Lyme Disease Vaccine receives FDA Approval</font></b></font><br>
	<font FACE="Arial">LYMErix, a vaccine for the prevention of Lyme disease, received
	approval for use from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December. Lyme disease, an
	illness borne by ticks, is a potentially serious multi-stage bacterial infection, with
	symptoms ranging from a skin rash and flu-like symptoms to arthritis and heart
	abnormalities.</p>

	<p>The vaccine is manufactured by SmithKline Beecham and should be considered by people
	who live in or travel to tick-infested areas.</p>

	<p> </font><b><u><font face="Times New Roman" size="4" color="#FF0000">Just approved
	by the FDA!</font></u><font FACE="Arial" SIZE="4"></p>
	<i>

	<p><font color="#400080">Non-Drug Treatment Alternative: Prosorba Column</font></i></font></b><font
	FACE="Arial"></p>

	<p>The FDA Gastroenterology and Urology Device Advisory Panel recommended approval for the
	treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis of <b>Prosorba Column</b>. This
	treatment has been used to treat Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), an immune
	blood disorder, since 1987. Prosorba Column will now be used to treat RA, as well.</p>
	<b>

	<p>Prosorba Column</b> is a plastic cylinder that contains highly purified protein A
	immobilized on an inert silica matrix. The protein A Binds to and removes antibodies,
	including antigens that contribute to the symptoms of RA. The standard course of treatment
	involves 12 weekly outpatient sessions. Each session takes approximately two hours. In a
	process similar to kidney dialysis, blood is removed from the patients arm and
	passed through a machine that separates the blood cells from the plasma. The plasma is
	then passed through the <b>Prosorba Column</b>, recombined with the blood cells and
	finally returned to the patient through the other arm.</p>

	<p>In clinical trials across the country, patients who had failed with DMARDs (such as
	methotrexate) underwent 12 <b>Prosorba Column</b> treatments. Nearly half showed
	significant clinical improvement as measured by stringent American College of Rheumatology
	criteria. Patients showed significant reduction in swollen and tender joint counts and the
	response was durable, some lasting as long as 75 weeks.</font></p>

	<p> </p>

	<p align="center"><a href="contact.htm"><img src="IMAGES/contact.jpg" alt="Contact Us"
	align="middle" border="0" hspace="3" width="63" height="63"></a></p>
	<p align="center"> </p>

	<p align="center"><font face="Arial">The information provided in the Arthritis National
	Research Foundations web page is for educational purposes only. It is not designed
	to provide medical advice. The foundation provides funding for young investigators seeking
	the causes and treatment of rheumatic diseases. Please consult your own healthcare
	provider regarding any medical issues relating to diseases, conditions, symptoms,
	diagnosis, treatments and side effects. </font></p>

	<hr color="#FF0000" width="640">

	<p align="center"><a href="about.htm">[Meet the ANRF]</a> <a href="whatis.htm">[Latest
	Research]</a> <a href="giving.htm">[Support the Research]</a> <a href="donors.htm">[Our
	Sponsors]</a> <a href="awards.htm">[Awards]</a><br>
	<a href="grant.htm">[Grant Application Guidelines</a> <a href="cureart1.htm">[<em>Cure</em>Arthritis
	Newsletter]</a> <a href="useful.htm">[Arthritis Info & Links]</a> <a
	href="contact.htm">[Contact Us]</a></p>

	<p align="center"><b><font color="#0000FF">This page, and all the contents of this Web
	site,<br>
	are Copyright © 1999 by <i>TouchVision</i>,<br>
	Seal Beach, California. All rights reserved.</font></b> <br>
	<font size="2" face="ARIAL,HELVETICA"><b>Best experienced with<br>
	<a href="http://www.microsoft.com/ie/ie.htm"><img src="ie_animated.gif"
	alt="Microsoft Internet Explorer" border="0" vspace="7" width="88" height="31"></a> </b></font></p>
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