by A recent study published in Rheumatology by Oxford University Press reveals that JAK inhibitors, once questioned for their effectiveness, are actually proving to be a successful treatment option for patients with arthritis. The study, conducted by Japanese researchers, found that JAK inhibitors resulted in impressive remission rates in patients, leading many to continue this treatment.
Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of joint linings, can cause progressive joint destruction and other complications. While biological disease-modifying drugs have provided relief for patients, their administration through subcutaneous or intravenous routes has been a drawback. Over time, these drugs tend to become less effective, posing challenges for patients.
To address this issue, scientists have developed Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors for arthritis treatment, which can be taken orally. While previous research has shown their efficacy and safety in controlled trials, some researchers have questioned their potential for widespread patient use. Real-world patients often have unique characteristics that differ from those recruited in randomized controlled trials.
In this multicenter, retrospective study, researchers analyzed data from 622 patients treated at seven major university hospitals in Japan. They compared the efficacy and safety of four common JAK inhibitors: tofacitinib, baricitinib, peficitinib, and upadacitinib.
The study found that approximately one in three patients achieved remission, while three in four achieved at least low disease activity, showcasing the impressive efficacy of JAK inhibitors. Notably, over 80% of the patients continued taking the JAK inhibitor drugs after six months.
This finding is particularly significant because JAK inhibitors do not lead to immunological secondary treatment failure, where drugs become ineffective due to adverse immune system responses. This failure is common when patients with arthritis are treated with drugs like methotrexate.
The study provides evidence that JAK inhibitors offer an effective and convenient treatment option for arthritis patients. With their oral administration and ability to achieve significant remission rates, JAK inhibitors have the potential to improve the lives of those living with arthritis.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
