The aim of the proposed trial is to evaluate the efficacy of combined treatment with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) added to anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy as compared to anti-TNF therapy alone on progression of structural damage in the spine over two years in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The trial consists of two phases. In the phase I (run-in phase), patients with active AS despite treatment with NSAIDs and elevated C-reactive protein will be included and treated with a TNF blocker (golimumab). Patients with good clinical response to golimumab at week 12 will be eligible for the phase II (core phase) of the study and will be randomized 1:1 to 1) golimumab + celecoxib (experimental intervention) for 2 years (weeks 12-108) or 2) golimumab alone (control intervention) also for 2 years. The primary outcome parameter will be the absolute progression of the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS) - currently a standard of structural spinal damage progression evaluation in AS - over two years of therapy (weeks 12-108).
To evaluate the impact of treatment with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) - Celecoxib - when added to anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy - Golimumab - as compared to anti-TNF therapy (Golimumab) alone on progression of structural damage in the spine over two years in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).