An experimental arthritis drug from Pfizer Inc. reduced pain more than researchers anticipated, doctors said. It also allowed previously hobbled patients to overuse and permanently damage their joints.

An experimental rheumatoid arthritis treatment -- Rigel's R788 (fostamatinib disodium) -- helps two-thirds of patients getting little relief from methotrexate.

( Wiley-Blackwell ) A study conducted at Copenhagen University Hospital showed that treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs -- or DMARDs, glucocorticoids, biologic agents or a combination of agents significantly reduced radiographic evidence of joint destruction, with a relative effect of 48-72 percent as compared with placebo. Study findings are published ...

A well-rounded approach to arthritis management highlights the Community Education Forum on Arthritis Thursday. Local rheumatologist Dr. Christopher Lyddell will speak about the breakthroughs in research, treatment and drug therapies as they relate to arthritis.[...]

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein found in the blood. Known as an acute-phase protein, its levels rise in response to inflammations such as those found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. CRP is commonly used as a serum marker for inflammation or infection, but the genetic effects of CRP variants on acute-phase CRP concentrations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis ...