A dual approach to the evaluation of the efficacy of a new rheumatoid arthritic agent--pirprofen.

Pirprofen was compared to placebo in a double-blind crossover study in 12 rheumatoid arthritis patients. Two approaches--univariate and multivariate--were used to analyze the study results which were in the form of arithmetic changes from pretreatment levels of six efficacy measurements. The univariate analysis failed to permit a single decision to be made regarding the further investigation and use of pirprofen in rheumatoid arthritis. However, the multivariate analysis which treats the efficacy variables simultaneously showed a clear differentation from placebo. Thus, multivariate analysis enabled the clinical pharmacologist to evaluate the new therapeutic agent in a complete and comprehensive manner. It allowed for a single decision to be made regarding the merits of pirprofen compared to placebo.