ISIS 104838, an Inhibitor of Tumor Necrosis Factor, for Active Rheumatoid Arthritis

Inclusion Criteria Age >/= 18 years. Rheumatoid arthritis for >/= 6 months. Active disease as defined by >/= 6 swollen and >/= 9 tender joints, AND an abnormal C-reactive protein or Westergren Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate lab test, OR Morning Stiffness >/= 1 hour. Use of at least one DMARD, and ability to discontinue any current DMARD. Exclusion Criteria Onset of rheumatoid arthritis before the 16th birthday. Wheelchair or bed-bound functional level. No previous infliximab or etanercept treatment, or investigational therapy (not placebo) with other TNF-alpha inhibitors. Prednisone > 10 mg per day or more than one nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Patients with an active infection, a history of tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, other poorly controlled medical illness, or a malignancy within the last 5 years. Patients who require intravenous heparin therapy or with a history of a bleeding problem.