Gillis T, et al. – The safety and efficacy of repository corticotropin injection (RCI) as an adjunctive therapy were examined in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) refractory to at least three therapeutics with different mechanisms of action. Outcomes suggested that RCI could be an effective add–on therapy for patients who had exhausted several classes of treatments. Moreover, RCI had an alternative mode of action, compared to other available antirheumatic drugs.

Methods

• In this study, patients received 80 U RCI twice weekly via subcutaneous injection over 12 weeks. 
• Changes in the Ritchie–Camp Articular Index and health assessment questionnaire scores were monitored for changes from baseline measures.

Results

• This study included eight patients.
• Seven females and one male with an average age of 64.6 years and disease duration of 20.9 years.
• Use of RCI resulted in significant improvement in swollen and tender joint counts. 
• At treatment week 12, the disease activity score 28 and the physician and patient visual analog scale scores were significantly reduced.
• After RCI treatment, the reduction in health assessment questionnaire scores did not reach statistical significance. 
• Once RCI therapy was discontinued, all improvements in disease activity score 28, physician and patient visual analog scale, and tender and swollen joint counts achieved during treatment were lost by the week 16 follow–up visit.