Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Is a Prevalent Condition That Requires Prompt, Effective Management1-3

RA is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that initially affects small joints, progressing to larger joints and eventually the skin, eyes, heart, kidneys, and lungs.1

Approximately 1.3 million Americans have RA, representing 0.6% to 1.0% of the population.3

3 in 4 patients with RA are women graphichourglass graphic
3 in 4 patients with RA are women graphichourglass graphic

Current treatments relieve symptoms, allowing patients to continue functioning at, or near, normal levels.2

INTERVENTION
OVERVIEW

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

Biologic agents

Treatment typically begins with DMARDs, which relieve symptoms and slow progression of joint damage. DMARDs may be prescribed with NSAIDs, low-dose corticosteroids, and/or methotrexate.2

Patients with more serious disease may require biologic agents, which block immune system chemical signals leading to inflammation and joint/tissue damage.2 • TNFi biosimilars are now available. The FDA ensures that biosimilars and Interchangeable biosimilars are as safe and effective as their reference biologic treatments4 - Only Interchangeable biosimilars may be auto-substituted for the reference product by a pharmacist

 

Biologic agents

Patients with more serious disease may require biologic agents, which block immune system chemical signals leading to inflammation and joint/tissue damage.2

  • TNFi biosimilars are now available. The FDA ensures that biosimilars and Interchangeable biosimilars are as safe and effective as their reference biologic treatments4
    • Only Interchangeable biosimilars may be auto-substituted for the reference product by a pharmacist

     

Learn about a clinical trial of a biosimilar that demonstrated equivalence in terms of pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy to current treatment options
two legs graphic

The objectives of treatment are to achieve rapid suppression of inflammation, minimize symptoms in the short term, and retard structural damage over the long term.5

RA treatment has evolved, in part due to the treat-to-target (T2T) approach recommended by the American College of Rheumatology.6

  • T2T aims to achieve low disease activity or remission

Optimal care requires a multidisciplinary approach.2

 
 

FDA=US Food and Drug Administration; NSAID=nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; TNFi=tumor necrosis factor inhibitor.

1. Bullock J, Rizvi SAA, Saleh AM, et al. Rheumatoid arthritis: a brief overview of the treatment. Med Princ Pract. 2018;27(6):501-507. 2. American College of Rheumatology. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Fast Facts. Updated December 2021. Accessed March 4, 2023. https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Rheumatoid-Arthritis. 3. Xu Y, Wu Q. Prevalence trend and disparities in rheumatoid arthritis among US adults, 2005-2018. J Clin Med. 2021;10(15):3289. 4. US Food & Drug Administration. Biological Product Definitions. Accessed March 3, 2023. https://www.fda.gov/files/drugs/published/Biological-Product-Definitions.pdf. 5. van de Laar CJ, Oude Voshaar MAH, Vonkeman HE. Cost-effectiveness of different treat-to-target strategies in rheumatoid arthritis: results from the DREAM registry. BMC Rheumatol. 2019;3(16):1-9. 6. Gavigan K, Nowell WB, Serna MS, et al. Barriers to treatment optimization and achievement of patients’ goals: perspectives from people living with rheumatoid arthritis enrolled in the ArthritisPower registry. Arthritis Res Ther. 2020;22(1):4.