Bechman et al. set out to describe the frequency and predictors of nonserious infections and compare incidence rates across biologic DMARDs. They found all bDMARDs are associated with a greater risk of nonserious infection, with differences observed between agents. Although unmeasured confounding must be considered, the magnitude of effect is large.
Research Outlines Benefits of bDMARDs to Treat Early RA
Sapart et al. suggest a combination of methotrexate and biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs as induction therapy for patients with early RA may lead to long-term remission.
Biologics May Prevent Cardiovascular Events in RA Patients
RA patients experience a higher rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events than controls. In a new study, Karpouzas et al. determined that current biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug use is associated with reduced long-term CVD risk, protective calcification of noncalcified lesions and a lower likelihood of new plaque formation in patients with early atherosclerosis.
Otilimab Begins Phase 3 Clinical Studies for RA
In a four-part clinical trial program, researchers are assessing the safety and efficacy of otilimab with placebo in RA patients, along side conventional treatments, such as tofacitinib, and DMARDs…
Biological DMARDs in Elderly RA Patients: Use, Maintenance & Discontinuation
A study comparing seven biologic DMARDs in RA patients aged 65 years and older found abatacept had the highest retention rate and the lowest discontinuation rate…
The Effects of Early RA Treatment on CVD
New research exploring the effects of etanercept on cardiovascular disease in treatment-naive, early RA patients suggests a treatment advantage with etanercept, a TNF inhibitor and methotrexate over treatment with methotrexate and a conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug…
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs Cut RA Risk
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in patients with early undifferentiated arthritis, researchers from France report. Several studies have suggested that conventional or biological DMARDs might interfere with the pathogenic process and prevent more established forms of RA, but it remains unclear whether these drugs are…