Evidence builds for importance of CVD, new drug targets at ACR

In Tuesday’s plenary session, investigators will report on the cost-effectiveness of triple therapy, compared with biologics. The results of the study (abstract 2781) suggest that added costs associated with using etanercept prior to a triple-therapy regimen may not be ideal in RA patients for whom methotrexate is not working. Because etanercept has only a small probability of being cost-effective, compared with triple therapy, more health care dollars could be freed up, the authors argue, by adopting the triple regimen prior to etanercept.

Dr. Matteson has received research support from many companies marketing drugs for rheumatic diseases.

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