Etanercept 50 mg once weekly vs 25 mg twice weekly

According to research based out of the Netherlands, patients with ankylosing spondylitis can expect a comparable significant improvement in clinical outcomes with similar safety when treated with etanercept 50 mg once weekly or with 25 mg twice weekly. Significant improvement (p<0.05) was seen in measures of disease activity, back pain, morning stiffness and C reactive protein levels as early as 2 weeks. Incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events, including infections, was similar and no unexpected safety issues were identified.

References:

van der Heijde, D., et al. Etanercept 50 mg once weekly is as effective as 25 mg twice weekly in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2006 Dec;65(12):1572-7. University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.