Inosiplex: a novel treatment in rheumatoid arthritis?

In an open study inosiplex, a new synthetic immunomodulatory drug, was given to 15 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) 3 g daily until clinical improvement occurred and then tapered. Nine of 15 patients experienced clinical benefit evidenced by a reduction of morning stiffness, fewer tender joints, decreased proximal interphalangeal joint circumference, and decreased sedimentation rate and fibrinogen level. Three patients responded rapidly to inosiplex (in two weeks) and a clear cut improvement was noticed within 1 month by all the responders. Two patients showed an exacerbation of the disease. No toxic drug effect was noticed. Although the mode of action of inosiplex in RA appears unclear, its rapidly of action and high rate of response should encourage further study of its use in the treatment of RA.