As per the recent study published in the "Journal of International Medical Research", febuxostat was significantly effecting in reducing serum uric acid (sUA) levels and the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17 and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in patients with gout and hyperuricemia. However, the treatment with febuxostat was associated with few side effects.

The study was conducted to estimate the effectiveness of febuxostat on sUA levels and IL-6, IL-7 and (TNF-α) in Chinese Han patients suffering from gout and hyperuricemia.

In this randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study, gout and hyperuricemia patients with sUA more than 8 mg/dl were recruited in the study. The included patients were randomized to either febuxostat 80 mg group or placebo group given once daily for 24 weeks. For all the patients, the baseline clinical and demographic characteristics were recorded.

Of the 156 patients randomized, 78 patients were present in each group. In comparison to the placebo, greater reduction in sUA was noted in the febuxostat group. By week 24, the sUA levels were reduced to less than 8mg/dl in 46 out of the 61 patients (Table 1). 

In the febuxostat group, reduction in the serum levels of IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-α were also noted. Due to adverse drug effects, 10 of the 78 patients in the febuxostat group did not continue the treatment.

Thus, febuxostat once a day is effective for reducing serum levels of uric acid, IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-α in patients with gout and hyperuricemia.