The Safety and Efficacy of a Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Fusion Protein on Uveitis Associated With Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

In other studies, TNFR:Fc significantly reduced joint pain and swelling in adult patients
with rheumatoid arthritis, and the Food and Drug Administration has approved the drug for
that use. Because medicines for arthritis often help patients with eye inflammation, this
study will examine whether TNFR:Fc can help patients with uveitis.

Patients with uveitis who are not responding well to standard treatment, such as steroids,
and patients who have side effects from other medicines used to treat their uveitis or have
refused treatment because of possible side effects may be eligible for this study.
Candidates will be screened with a medical history, physical examination, and eye
examination. The eye exam includes a check of vision and eye pressure, examination of the
back of the eye (retina), and front of the eye, including measurements of protein and
inflammation. Candidates will also undergo fluorescein angiography-a procedure in which
photographs are taken of the retina to see if there is any leakage in the eye's blood
vessels. A blood test and joint evaluation will also be done.

Study participants will be given an injection of TNFR:Fc twice a week for up to 12 months
and may continue other medicines they may be taking, such as prednisone or methotrexate.
They will have follow-up examinations at week two and months one, two, three and four. Those
who wish to continue treatment after the fourth month can receive the drug for another eight
months and will have follow-up exams at months six, nine and 12, and one month after
treatment ends. Each follow-up visit will include a repeat of the screening exams and an
evaluation of side effects or discomfort from the medicine.

Must meet American College of Rheumatology Criteria for JRA.

Must have active anterior uveitis defined as the presence of inflammatory cells (Grade 1+
or higher) in the anterior chamber of at least one eye or the current use of topical
corticosteroids to control exacerbation of disease at a frequency of TID or higher.

Age between 2 and 18 years, inclusive.

Ability to undergo slit lamp biomicroscopy for assessment of anterior chamber cells.

Ability to comply with study requirements.

Be up to date on all recommended childhood immunizations.

Using current arthritis regimen for at least 8 weeks prior to enrollment.

No media opacity that precludes assessment of anterior chamber inflammation.

No periocular injection of corticosteroids within 2 months of baseline, or used a systemic
experimental therapy within one month of baseline evaluation.

Not currently receiving disease modifying antirheumatic therapy (DMARD), with the
exception of prednisone at a dose no greater than 1.0 mg/kg/day, or methotrexate at a dose
no greater than 15 mg/m(2)/week.

No active eye or joint inflammation requiring immediate addition or increase in systemic
anti-inflammatory medications.

No females who are pregnant or lactating.

No refusal to use contraception during the study and 6 months after termination of active
study therapy, if child-bearing or fathering potential exists.

No use of Latanoprost within two weeks prior to enrollment, or have a current or likely
need for Latanoprost during the course of the study.

No hypersensitivity to fluorescein dye.

No active serious infections or history of recurring serious infections.

No evidence of spondyloarthropathy or entheseopathy.