This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.

To summarize the available information on the use of etanercept (trade name Enbrel, marketed by Amgen Canada Inc.) to reduce signs and symptoms in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis.

A growing amount of literature explores new technologies that are aimed at altering tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha activity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. The clinical data suggest that etanercept can produce a favourable response and reduce symptoms. The Canadian Rheumatology Association has published a consensus document suggesting that these agents be used in patients with spondyloarthropies who are refractory to traditional therapy with NSAIDs or sulfasalazine. Several issues may be of concern: the price of the drug, its potential for long-term use, and the possibility of 'prescription creep' if higher than recommended doses or increased dosage frequency are used.

Data from head-to-head comparative trials of etanercept with other TNF alpha inhibitors, information about the safety implications from long-term usage, and evidence about the overall effect of etanercept on disease progression will minimize uncertainty about the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of this drug.