UCSF

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of denosumab for progressive bone erosion in risk factor subgroups of Japanese RA patients.

Methods

This study included 340 RA patients on MTX from the dose-response study of Denosumab in patients with RheumatoId arthritis on methotrexate to Validate inhibitory effect on bone Erosion (DRIVE study-a 12-month, multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II study). The patients were randomized to receive placebo or denosumab 60 mg every 6 months, 3 months or 2 months. Subgroup analyses involved baseline RF, ACPA, swollen joint count, CRP level, RA duration, ESR and glucocorticoid use.

Results

Patients with risk factor positivity generally showed consistent results for the primary endpoint of the change in the modified Sharp erosion score at 12 months from baseline. In the placebo, every 6 months, every 3 months and every 2 months groups, the mean changes in the erosion score, according to the RF status (RF-positive vs -negative subgroups), were 1.18 vs 0.59, 0.25 (P = 0.0601 vs placebo) vs 0.31 (P = 0.0827), 0.21 (P = 0.0422) vs -0.02 (P = 0.0631) and 0.15 (P = 0.0010) vs -0.05 (P = 0.0332), respectively, while the mean changes in the erosion score, according to the ACPA status (ACPA-positive vs -negative subgroups), were 1.30 vs 0.07, 0.26 (P = 0.0142) vs 0.33 (P = 0.2748), 0.16 (P = 0.0058) vs 0.08 (P = 0.7166) and 0.09 (P < 0.0001) vs 0.08 (P = 0.8939), respectively.

Conclusion

Denosumab is a potentially useful treatment option for RA patients who are positive for RF, ACPA and other possible risk factors.

Trial registration

JAPIC Clinical Trials Information, http://www.clinicaltrials.jp/user/cteSearch_e.jsp, JapicCTI-101263.