New drug helps improve mobility in children with arthritis

A new potential treatment for a rare and severe form of arthritis in children may improve their mobility and relieve
fever. Paediatric rheumatologist, Professor Patricia Woo presented the results of a preliminary trial today (Friday 10 June)
at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology in Vienna.


Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) affects around 600 children in the UK. As well as swollen, painful joints, the
child has rashes, a swingeing, high fever and become very unwell. Growth is often affected. "There are lots of problems that
we cannot control well or treat," said Professor Woo from Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, UK.


Research carried out by Professor Woo and other investigators had previously identified a protein, called interleukin 6
(IL-6), which provokes inflammation, especially in sJIA. A potential new drug, Tocilizumab, previously known as MRA, blocks
its action.


In the phase II trial to investigate the safety and efficacy of MRA, 18 children from UK and France with sJIA were treated
with different doses of MRA. There were nine in each age group, two to five and six - 18 years old and their disease had not
responded to other treatments. Each child was given one dose of MRA by intravenous injection. They were monitored regularly
throughout the following two months.


"There was a significant improvement in all the children, particularly those who received a higher dose of MRA," said
Professor Woo. "Their fever settled down and they were more mobile." Inevitably, as the effects of one dose wore off, the
children did relapse but the beneficial effects last for two to six weeks. There were no significant safety concerns.



"This is only a phase II trial and it is much too soon to draw conclusions, but it is very encouraging to see that a single
dose can produce such dramatic clinical responses," she said. An international study with Tocilizumab in children suffering
form sJIA is currently in preparation. A similar trial is ongoing in Japan.


Abstract no. 086


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