TENIDAP - A NOVEL CYTOKINE-MODULATING ANTIRHEUMATIC DRUG FOR THE TREATMENT OF RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS

Tenidap is a novel, once-daily, cytokine modulating antirheumatic drug indicated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In vitro, t enidap significantly inhibits the production of the pro-inflammatory c ytokines, interleukin-l, interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor in h uman cell lines, and inhibits cytokine-mediated processes such as cart ilage degradation, bone resorption, metalloprotease synthesis, endothe lial cell adhesion and monocyte differentiation. Tenidap also inhibits cyclo-oxygenase. In RA patients, tenidap 120 mg/day is clinically equ ivalent to the combination of disease-modifying antirheumatic agents p lus non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and significantly m ore effective than NSAIDs. Tenidap also produces rapid, profound and s ustained reductions in the serum levels of the acute phase proteins, C -reactive protein and serum amyloid A, an effect suggestive of disease modifying properties. In addition, tenidap reduces circulating levels of IL-6 in RA patients. Tenidap is well tolerated.