Looking at delayed-release format Prednisone
We are always hoping for good news whenever there is an announcement of the results of clinical trials.Recently, several new drugs have failed to pass through the FDA process. This is an expensive loss for the pharmaceutical industry to absorb. We always hope new drugs will prove effective in protecting the lives and well-being of patients. With large losses, it reduces the amount of money available to develop the next drugs in the pipeline. So the good news about the new version of Prednisone is welcome. There’s an ongoing study into the best form of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. It is focusing on the problems faced by patients when they awake in the morning. Almost all find that, during the night when the lie still in bed, their joints swell and are tender to touch. With the lack of movement, there is also a general stiffness. There have been a number of studies looking at the use of Prednisone overnight. The results suggested a delayed-release format was the best with the Prednisone being released into the bloodstream about four hours before the expected time of wakening.
A double-blind trial with 350 participants and the inclusion of a placebo formed part of the most recent study. The active drug was taken with the evening meal. The results of those on the delayed-release drug showed a significant reduction in the swelling and stiffness. Participants also reported an improvement in the quality of their sleep, leaving them feeling less tired through the day. With less stiffness in the joints, participants were able to move around more freely and this led to a general improvement in quality of life.
This is very encouraging news. Rheumatoid arthritis affects almost 2 million people in the US, regardless of age so anything likely to improve their quality of life is to be applauded. This delayed-release, low dosage version of Prednisone seems to be giving impressive results with few side effects. It is already available throughout Europe and in other markets. Let us hope it can be moved swiftly through the FDA process to make it available on the US market.
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