Anti-TNF Agents for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that leads to inflammation and progressive joint damage. RA is a systemic inflammatory autoimmune disorder affecting almost 1% of the United States population. Current therapies target the immune system early in the disease process before joint damage occurs, and include drugs such as methotrexate (MTX) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-blocking agents. The primary purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of two TNF inhibitors, etanercept and adalimumab, on memory B lymphocytes (B-cells) in the peripheral blood of participants with RA.

Additionally, there are 4 optional sub-studies as part of the trial:

* B-Cell Kinetic Sub-Study to look at changes in B-cell subsets over time and how quickly reductions in B-cell memory occur
* Vaccine Response Sub-Study to assess B cell memory in response to immunization with hepatitis B,-hepatitis A, and diphtheria/tetanus vaccines, and to determine whether T-cell vaccine responses are altered with TNF blockade
* Tonsil Biopsy Sub-Study to evaluate how TNF blockade affects memory B-cells in the tonsil dendritic cells and germinal cells
* Synovial Biopsy Sub-Study to evaluate how TNF blockade affects changes in memory B-cells in lymphoid tissue.

RA is characterized by persistent inflammation of peripheral joints, causing pain, stiffness, swelling and warmth. Over the past 10 years, advancements in biotechnology have revolutionized RA therapeutics with biologically-derived immunomodulating compounds. TNF-alpha inhibitors constitute the largest class of these new biologic therapies. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness two TNF inhibitors, etanercept and adalimumab, on memory B lymphocytes (B-cells) in the peripheral blood of participants with RA.

This study will last 24 weeks. Participants will be randomized into one of two treatment groups. Participants in one group will receive a dose of etanercept once every week for 24 weeks. Participants in the other group will receive a dose of adalimumab once every 2 weeks for 24 weeks.

This study consists of seven study visits after randomization and will occur at study entry and Weeks 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24. Blood collection will occur at all study visits. A written participant assessment, vital signs, and physical exam will occur at study entry and Weeks 12 and 24. Follow-up calls to assess safety are scheduled for Weeks 4, 8, 16, and 20.

Additionally, participants will be offered the opportunity to enter one of four sub-studies as mentioned in the brief summary above: B Cell Kinetic Sub-Study, Vaccine Response Sub-Study, Tonsil Biopsy Sub-Study, and Synovial Biopsy Sub-Study. More information on these sub-studies is in the protocol.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of RA\*
* Disease duration as defined from the onset of symptoms of at least 3 months prior to study entry
* Active RA with DAS28 \> 4.4, clinically requiring the addition of anti-TNF therapy
* Stable dose of MTX between 7.5 mg and 25 mg weekly for at least 8 weeks prior to study entry
* Able and willing to self-administer subcutaneous injections or have available qualified person(s) or caregiver to administer subcutaneous injections
* For females, agree to use accepted methods of contraception during the duration of the study and for 150 days after study completion\*. \*More information on these criterion can be found in the protocol.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Positive PPD test - a tuberculosis (TB) skin test: (\> 5 mm induration regardless of prior Bacille Calmette-Guerin \[BCG\] vaccine administration) without evidence of ongoing treatment for at least 30 days or completed treatment
* History of positive PPD or chest x-ray findings indicative of prior TB infection, without documentation of either treatment for TB infection or chemoprophylaxis for TB exposure
* Prednisone dose \> 10 mg/day (or equivalent dose of another corticosteroid) within 30 days prior to study entry
* Definitive diagnosis of another autoimmune disease that may require immunosuppression for treatment\*
* Concomitant use of DMARDSs (e.g., disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs)\*
* Any immunosuppressive therapy other than MTX, NSAIDs, or corticosteroids\*
* Current or previous use of any biologic agent
* Presence of open leg ulcers
* Chronic or persistent infection that might be worsened by immunosuppressive treatment\*
* Active infection or severe infections requiring hospitalization or treatment with intravenous (IV) antibiotics, IV antivirals, or IV antifungals within 30 days prior to study entry
* Received oral antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals within 14 days prior to study entry
* Certain abnormal laboratory values\*
* Any medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would interfere with the study
* History of malignancy other than treated localized carcinoma in situ of the cervix or adequately treated non-metastatic squamous or basal cell skin carcinoma within 10 years prior to study entry
* Any Investigational agent within the earlier of 4 weeks or 5 half-lives prior to study entry
* History of drug or alcohol abuse within 6 months prior to study entry
* Known allergy or hypersensitivity to study products
* Inability or unwillingness to follow the protocol
* Any condition or treatment that, in the opinion of the investigator, places the participant at an unacceptable risk
* Pregnant or breastfeeding \*More information on these criterion are in the protocol.