Subsidised access to TNF-α inhibitors: is the rationale for exclusion of rheumatoid-factor-negative patients defensible?

• Wyeth Australia and New Zealand, 17-19 Solent Circuit, Norwest Business Park, Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153.

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• 1. Lu CY, Williams KM, March L, et al. Subsidised access to TNFα inhibitors: is the rationale for exclusion of rheumatoid factor negative patients defensible? [letter]. Med J Aust 2004; 181: 457.<eMJA full text>
• 2. Klareskog L, van Der Heijde D, de Jager JP, et al. Therapeutic effect of the combination of etanercept and methotrexate compared with each treatment alone in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: double-blind randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2004; 363: 675-681.