An open comparative study of auranofin vs. gold sodium thiomalate.

An open comparative study of 26 patients on auranofin (AF) and 26 patients on gold sodium thiomalate (GSTM) was undertaken. The GSTM patients responded more rapidly and there were more clinical remissions. The changes produced by AF were slower in onset. AF produced no significant changes in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein but it did reduce rheumatoid factor titers. Both AF and GSTM produced a temporary retardation of the radiological progression. Side effects occurred more frequently on GSTM and more patients had to be withdrawn from the trial.