Summit on Effective, Modern Treatment witnessed participation from over 50 specialists from GCC countries

The meeting organized by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, focused on the substantial burden of the disease and the impact on the quality of life of RA sufferers.

Professor Boulos Haraoui, Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine, Director of Clinical Research, Rheumatology Department, University of Montreal, Canada, who provided the keynote lecture at the event, said, "The aim of today's lecture is to assist the region's rheumatolgists in the correct diagnosis of their patients, making sure that the treatment plan is started as early as possible. In my experience, when treatment commences early and aggressively, total remission of symptoms can be achieved."

In addition, Prof. Haraoui added, "The more you understand the benefits and potential drawbacks of each medication, the better prepared you will be to discuss your options with your patients."

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most frequent causes of physical disability among adults and quality of life is an issue that was addressed extensively at the meeting.

"It is imperative that we approach RA as a major disease with a potentially crippling event on patients. Those afflicted with RA usually display symptoms of fatigue, morning stiffness, pain, and inflammation in or around the joints. They also experience difficulty moving a joint or several joints. Even simple tasks such as getting out of bed, washing or buttoning a shirt can be difficult for individuals challenged with RA."

RA affects one person in a hundred in the Middle East and according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), worldwide prevalence is estimated at more than 20 million people in 2004.

Prof. Haraoui, concluded, "We have now safety data extending up to 8 years proving the long-term safety profile of Etanercept, which is reassuring to the rheumatology community, reflection of its long-term efficacy and sustainability for achieving clinical remission."