The study population consisted of patients who met the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society ( ASAS ) classification criteria for axial SpA but not the modified New York radiographic criteria for ankylosing spondylitis ( as assessed by a radiologist at the central trial site ) , had a symptom duration of > 3 months but < 5 years , had a score of 4 on the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index , and had been treated unsuccessfully with 2 NSAIDs .