Gold compounds for rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Auranofin [2,3,4,6-tetra-0-acetyl-1-thio-β-D-glucopyranosato-S)-(triethylphosphine)gold], a new gold compound for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is unique in that it produces its therapeutic benefit when administered by the oral route. Currently used gold preparations (sodium aurothiomalate, aurothioglucose) must be given by injection to be effective. Auranofin has been used in the treatment of RA patients in clinical trials, and is comparable in efficacy to presently used injectable agents. Side effects with auranofin are mild in nature and result in fewer withdrawals from therapy than do injectable gold preparations. © 1986 World Gold Council.