Etanercept in children with polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

The drug etanercept appears to be beneficial in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This drug blocks the activity of tumor necrosis factor, which is an inflammatory protein produced in the body. Researchers randomly assigned 51 children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis to receive subcutaneous injections of etanercept or a placebo twice a week for up to four months. Over 80% of the children receiving etanercept improved, compared to 28% of those receiving a placebo. The drug had minimal side effects. Etanercept is sold under the trade name Enbrel.