Golimumab in Patients with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Despite Methotrexate Therapy: Results Through 2 Years of the GO-FORWARD Study Extension

Abstract

Objective. To assess the longterm efficacy and safety of golimumab in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) despite methotrexate (MTX) therapy.

Methods. We randomized 444 RA patients with inadequate response to MTX (3:3:2:2) to placebo + MTX (Group 1), golimumab 100 mg + placebo (Group 2), golimumab 50 mg + MTX (Group 3), or golimumab 100 mg + MTX (Group 4). Subcutaneous golimumab/placebo was injected every 4 weeks. Patients could escape early (Group 1 added golimumab 50 mg, Group 2 added MTX, Group 3 increased golimumab to 100 mg, Group 4 continued 100 mg) based on Week 16 swollen and tender joint counts. From Week 24, Group 1 patients received golimumab 50 mg + MTX. After the Week 52 database lock, patients in the longterm extension received golimumab 50–100 mg ± MTX. Coprimary endpoints [Week 14 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)20, Week 24 Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI)] and Week 52 findings have been published; 2-year findings (observed data by randomized group, no imputation) are presented.

Results. Of 444 randomized patients, 392 continued from Week 52 (Group 1: n = 116, Group 2: n = 116, Group 3: n = 84, Group 4: n = 76). Clinical improvement was maintained through Week 104; ∼75% and 72% of patients randomized to golimumab 50 mg + MTX and 100 mg + MTX achieved ACR20 response, respectively. The majority [88% (105/120)] of golimumab + MTX–treated patients with Week 24 HAQ-DI improvement ≥ 0.25 maintained improved physical function through Week 104. Group 1 patients with delayed golimumab treatment exhibited more Week 104 radiographic progression (mean change score = 1.15) than golimumab + MTX-randomized patients (0.52). Incidences of serious infections were 2.24, 4.77, 5.78/100 patient-years of followup for golimumab 50 mg + MTX, 100 mg + placebo, and 100 mg + MTX, respectively.

Conclusion. Clinical improvement was maintained and no new safety signals were identified with 2 years of golimumab + MTX. Golimumab efficacy and safety, including serious infections, will continue to be monitored through 5 years (Clinical Trial No. NCT00264550).