Real-world data show clinical effectiveness of golimumab

Real-world data presented by Merck have demonstrated the long-term clinical effectiveness of golimumab (Simponi) for the treatment of rheumatic diseases.

The results from the GO-NICE study, showed that patients administered with golimumab experienced associated improvements in clinical outcomes within three months of receiving treatment and these results were maintained over a period of 24 months. Additionally, improvement in quality of life were maintained over the follow up period.

Patients included in the study were suffering from either rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), or ankylosing spondylitis (AS). There was a total of 758 patients (265 RA, 247 PsA, 246 AS) in the study and clinical improvements were seen across all indications.

Lead study investigator Professor Klaus Krüger, Rheumatologist, Praxiszentrum St. Bonifatius, Münich, Germany, commented: “Unlike randomised clinical trial data, GO-NICE yields results from a real-life population of patients with established RA, PsA or AS. With this in mind, we see promising clinical outcomes and reassuring safety results.”

The improvement in the quality of life was measured by EQ-5D-3L. This was seen after six months and results were maintained over the 24-month period. As with clinical improvements, quality of life improvements were seen across all indications.

Krüger continued: “Patient-reported outcome parameters showed meaningful long-term improvement of pain, fatigue, functional ability and patient satisfaction in all three indications in biologic-naïve patients, similar to the improvement observed previously in the biologic-experienced population.”