Hope on arthritis: New treatment hailed as the best at relieving symptoms

Hope on arthritis: New treatment hailed as the best at relieving symptoms

Tens of thousands of arthritis sufferers could get relief from a new alternative treatment.

Since the 1980s Methotrexate, known as MTX, has been the standard anti-inflammatory. But some people react badly to it.

Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, mouth ulcers, hair loss and skin rashes.

Now tests have revealed patients are four times more likely to achieve remission by taking RoActemra (tociliumab), made by Roche, than the other alternative Humira (adalimumab).

About one in three UK rheumatoid arthritis patients on a biological treatment are not taking MTX, either because they are intolerant or because it doesn’t work for them.

Consultant Prof Paul Emery, who took part in the study, said: “These results are impressive and important for the 30% of patients who cannot take Methotrexate.

“Disease remission is the goal of therapy. However, for varied reasons, many patients fail to achieve this goal. The results help in choosing the right drug for the right patient.”

Rheumatoid arthritis is estimated to affect up to 690,000 in Britain. 

It is a painful condition, which can cause severe disability.

The disease can progress rapidly, causing swelling and damage to cartilage and bone around the joints â€" especially the hands, feet and wrists.

It affects three times more women than men, generally between 40 to 60, although it can strike at any age.