Remicade (infliximab), a medication in the TNF-a inhibitor class or biologic medication, has been shown in many studies to be effective in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. However, data on its use in people with advanced disease is somewhat limited.

A study out of Australia, published in the Internal Medicine Journal in March 2008, examines the outcomes when Remicade is used in people with spinal fusing, known as spinal ankylosis.

The study, "Infliximab in severe active ankylosing spondylitis with spinal ankylosis", found that, "In real-life clinical practice, patients with established disease with spinal ankylosis and high levels of inflammation and disease activity can achieve a major clinical response with infliximab."

The study also states that, "Patients with spinal ankylosis also experienced significant improvements in health-related quality of life, with majority returning to full-time employment by 1 year."

To read the study abstract, please click here.

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