Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease of the joints. RA develops when T cells and other white blood cells invade the joints and attack the joint lining (synovium). These cells release enzymes and inflammatory mediators that cause chronic inflammation of the joints. This inflammation causes pain and swelling of the joints and can result in joint destruction, deformity, and disability. Some patients have a severe form of RA that is associated with fever, weight loss, skin nodules, and even premature death.

RA affects approximately 1% of the adult population in North America and Europe (about 5 million people worldwide). Women are 2-3 times more likely to develop RA than men. No cure for RA has yet been found and current therapies, which offer some relief to patients, still leave room for improvement. Current therapies include the use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biological response modifiers (BRMs), and corticosteroids. In addition, many patients receive physical and/or occupational therapy, and some require surgery to replace badly affected or deformed joints.

Merrimack is currently conducting a clinical study of MM-093 in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis while on treatment with methotrexate. This study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of MM-093. Patients will be treated with MM-093 or placebo for three months. Patients will be assessed for safety and efficacy including changes in the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis using the standard assessments defined by the American College of Rheumatology. For more information on this study, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov and type in “MM-093” in the search box.

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