Method for treating joint damage

Abstract

Methods of treating joint damage in a subject eligible for treatment are provided involving administering an antagonist that binds to a B-cell surface marker, such as CD20 antibody, to the subject in an amount effective to slow progression of the joint damage as measured by radiography. Further provided are articles of manufacture useful for such methods.

1 . A method for treating joint damage in a subject comprising administering a CD20 antibody to the subject, and giving the subject, at least about one month after the administration, a radiographic test that measures a reduction in the joint damage as compared to baseline prior to the administration, wherein the amount of CD20 antibody administered is effective in achieving a reduction in the joint damage 
     
     
         2 .- 7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the radiographic testing after administering the CD20 antibody occurs at least about 52 weeks after administering the antibody. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising an additional administration to the subject of a CD20 antibody in an amount effective to achieve a continued or maintained reduction in joint damage as compared to the effect of a prior administration of CD20 antibody. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the CD20 antibody is additionally administered to the subject even if there is no clinical improvement in the subject at the time of the radiographic testing after a prior administration. 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the test measures a total modified Sharp score. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the antibody is rituximab. 
     
     
         14 .- 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . The method of claim  4 -g 19 wherein the joint damage is caused by arthritis. 
     
     
         20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the antibody is administered intravenously. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the antibody is administered subcutaneously. 
     
     
         23 .- 52 . (canceled) 
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the subject is rheumatoid factor positive. 
     
     
         54 .- 58 . (canceled) 
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the joint damage is caused by rheumatoid arthritis and the subject has exhibited an inadequate response to one or more anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. 
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 1  wherein concomitant methotrexate is administered to the subject along with the CD20 antibody. 
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the CD20 antibody is administered at a dose of about 1000 mg×2 on days 1 and 15 intravenously at the start of the treatment. 
     
     
         62 .- 66 . (canceled) 
     
     
         67 . A method for treating joint damage in a subject comprising administering a CD20 antibody to the subject, and giving the subject, at least about 52 weeks after the administration, a radiographic test that measures a reduction in the joint damage as compared to baseline prior to the administration, wherein the amount of CD20 antibody administered is effective in achieving a reduction in the joint damage. 
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 67  wherein the test measures a total modified Sharp score. 
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 67  wherein the antibody is rituximab. 
     
     
         70 .- 103 . (canceled) 
     
     
         104 . A method for the treatment of joint damage in a subject, wherein (a) the subject has exhibited an inadequate response to one or more anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors; (b) the subject received at least one prior course of treatment with a CD20 antibody, and (c) the treatment comprises administering at least one further course of treatment with a CD20 antibody. 
     
     
         105 . The method of  claim 104  wherein the subject responded to at least one prior course of treatment with anti-CD20 antibody. 
     
     
         106 . The method of  claim 104  wherein the joint damage is caused by rheumatoid arthritis. 
     
     
         107 . (canceled) 
     
     
         108 . The method of  claim 104  wherein the antibody is rituximab. 
     
     
         109 .- 112 . (canceled)