A recent Cochrane review about the use of anakinra (Kineret) for reumathoid arthritis, concludes that it is a “modestly efficacious biologic therapy for rheumatoid arthritis”.

Authors’ conclusions

Anakinra is a relatively safe and modestly efficacious biologic therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Although head to head comparison trials have not been carried out, the amount of improvement is notably less when compared to studies using other biologic therapies. More studies are needed to evaluate safety and efficacy, especially in comparison to other therapies, and adverse event data for the long-term use of Anakinra has yet to be assessed.

Abstract: Anakinra for rheumatoid arthritis.  The Cochrane Collaboration. Cochrane Reviews

The UK’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) issued in February 2009 an update of the rheumatoid arthritis clinical guideline.

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