Response to: 'Correspondence on 'Interleukin 6 receptor inhibition in primary Sjögren syndrome: a multicentre double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial by Wang et al

We read with interest the correspondence related to our article, ‘Interleukin 6 receptor inhibition in primary Sjögren syndrome: a multicentre double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial’, by Wang et al1 who discuss the disappointing results of recent trials of primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS). To explain recent negative results of tocilizumab and abatacept, apart from the inefficacy of these biologicals in pSS, Wang et al discuss the contribution of the design of the study. First, they discuss the choice of a primary endpoint based on the EULAR Sjögren’s Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI). As mentioned by the authors, this score captures only the systemic complications of the disease, observed in 30%–50% of patients with pSS overall, but in all patients in our trials (requiring ESSDAI ≥5 at inclusion).2 Until now, 17 controlled trials have used ESSDAI as the primary endpoint (table 1), including at least three...
Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases - Category: Rheumatology Authors: Tags: ARD Correspondence response Source Type: research