Study Of Celecoxib Or Diclofenac For Efficacy and Safety In Chinese Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis

A 6-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group Study To Evaluate The Symptomatic Effects And Safety Of Celecoxib 200mg QD Compared To Diclofenac 75mg SR QD In Chinese Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis, With 6-Week Extension Phase Treatment On Celecoxib 400 Mg QD Or Maintaining Double-Blind Phase Therapy

This is a local, multicenter, randomized, active comparator, double-blind, parallel group study with extension will be conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of celecoxib versus diclofenac SR in the treatment of Chinese patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Meet the 1984 Modified New York Criteria for Classification of Ankylosing Spondylitis
• With axial involvement
• Without peripheral joint involvement (synovitis) at the time of study entry, (excluding involvement of the hips, knees and shoulders)
• Need for daily treatment with NSAIDs during the previous 30 days before study entry

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known inflammatory enteropathy (eg, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, etc)
• Presence of extra-articular manifestations (eg, uveitis, endocarditis, etc.)
• Known vertebral compression
• Need for a corset during the study