An European open multicentre trial with auranofin in rheumatoid arthritis.

In 8 European countries a multicentre trial was started in 672 patients with RA. The safety and efficacy of Auranofin (oral gold), was evaluated. There seems to be no difference in response to treatment between patients treated with Auranofin 3 mg twice daily or 6 mg once daily. From the fourth month of treatment there is a statistically difference in improvements for following parameters : activity index of Chalkins, articular index of Lansbury, ESR, pain, morning stiffness, grip strength, number of swollen joints and number of tender joints. These data suggest that Auranofin can be considered as a valuable disease modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) in RA and that early onset of therapy can be advised. In most cases the treatment is well tolerated.