Methods for the treatment of inflammatory joint disease

摘要

The use of compounds that block complement component C5 or its active fragments C5a and/or C5b (such compounds collectively referred to as "C5 blockers") to treat established joint inflammation (arthritis) is disclosed. Administration of such C5 blockers has been found to: 1) arrest and/or reduce inflammation in joints which are already inflamed, and 2) inhibit the spread of inflammation to unaffected joints.