Delayed-release glucocorticoid treatment of rheumatoid disease

1. A method for the treatment of a patient suffering from signs and symptoms of an underlying rheumatic disease who had previously been treated with an oral immediate release dosage form of a glucocorticoid,

which method comprises administering daily, at or before bedtime, for at least about two weeks an effective amount of prednisone contained in a delayed-release dosage form to said patient who had previously been treated with an oral immediate release dosage form of a glucocorticoid,

wherein the delayed release dosage form is a tablet or a capsule.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the treatment comprises administration of the prednisone contained in a delayed-release dosage form for at least about four weeks.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the treatment comprises administration of the prednisone contained in a delayed-release dosage form for at least about eight weeks.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the treatment comprises administration of the prednisone contained in a delayed-release dosage form one for at least about twelve weeks.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the treatment comprises administration of the prednisone contained in a delayed-release dosage form for at least about twelve months.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the rheumatic disease is rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosating spondylitis and/or polymyalgia rheumatica.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the delayed-release dosage form has a lag time of from about 3 hours to about 5 hours after administration.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the delayed-release dosage form has a dissolution time of equal to or less than about 2 hours after the lag time is reached.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the delayed-release dosage form has a drug release behaviour which is independent of pH.