Newer oral treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have demonstrated effective results in practical clinical settings, dispelling initial uncertainties regarding their efficacy, as evidenced by a recent study.
JAK inhibitors demonstrate efficacy in RA treatment
The research, which involved a cohort of 622 individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), discovered that the majority of them were experiencing positive outcomes through the usage of JAK inhibitors, a relatively recent medication designed to address this arthritic condition. Notably, these medications are administered orally, in contrast to numerous other RA treatments that necessitate injection or infusion.
In the United States, there are three authorized JAK inhibitors: tofacitinib (commercially known as Xeljanz), baricitinib (marketed as Olumiant), and upadacitinib (branded as Rinvoq). These medications are intended specifically for individuals with RA who either do not experience relief from traditional RA drugs or cannot tolerate them.
However, despite the proven efficacy of JAK inhibitors in clinical trials, there have been concerns regarding their real-world applicability, especially when administered to patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have not responded to standard treatments.
The recently published results in the Rheumatology journal on November 1st could help alleviate these concerns. In Japan, researchers discovered that patients treated with any of the four approved JAK inhibitors generally exhibited positive outcomes.
Individuals in JAK attained remission within six months
In general, approximately 33% of individuals witnessed their rheumatoid arthritis (RA) entering a state of remission within a half-year, with more than 80% achieving the desired state of “minimal disease activity,” characterized by well-controlled symptoms. The conclusion is clear and unambiguous, as articulated by a U.S. rheumatologist who was not part of the study.
Dr. Stanley Cohen, practicing at Rheumatology Associates in Dallas said that the research affirms the effectiveness of JAK inhibitor treatments. Various JAK medications are equally effective for treating RA, as no direct trials comparing them have been conducted. Real-world experiences and individual studies support this notion.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the result of an immune system attack on joint tissue, leading to joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, with potential systemic inflammation affecting other body areas, including the heart, lungs, skin, and eyes.
