People suffering severe rheumatoid arthritis are being offered new hope by doctors at St Mary’s Hospital, in Newport.
Consultant rheumatologist Dr Mark Pugh estimates that up to 10 IW patients a year may be suitable for treatment with a one-of a kind new generation of drug. Called rituximab, it can target specific cells within the patient’s immune system and was approved this summer by NICE, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.
Rituximab does not cure the disease but can suppress its symptoms in up to 70% of cases and the effect can last for a year or more.