A double blind, placebo controlled study of a platelet activating factor antagonist in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of a platelet activating factor-acether (PAF) antagonist, BN 50730, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A total of 56 patients with active RA were enrolled in a multicenter, double blind, placebo controlled study of BN 50730. Patients received either BN 50730 (40 mg orally bid) or placebo for 84 days. Treatment with BN 50730 resulted in no improvement and was no more effective than placebo in improving clinical and biological indices of RA activity. Adverse events were observed in the 2 treatment groups, and BN 50730 was generally well tolerated. PAF antagonist BN 50730 at a daily dose of 80 mg was ineffective in the treatment of RA.