Biological therapies for rheumatoid arthritis
Biologic therapies are used where intensive treatment with DMARDs (such as methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide and sulfasalazine) has not suppressed rheumatoid arthritis satisfactorily. They may be given in combination with DMARDs, and include ;
- Anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents - such as adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab, and infliximab.
- Other biological agents, including abatacept, sarilumab and tocilizumab.
- Targeted synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as Janus kinase (Jak) inhibitors (e.g. tofacitinib and baricitinib).
Reference
- NICE. Rheumatoid arthritis in adults: management. NICE guideline NG100. Published July 2018, last updated October 2020
Related pages
- NICE guidance - adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, rituximab and abatacept for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis after the failure of a TNF inhibitor
- NICE guidance - etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab for the treatment of adults with rheumatoid arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Biosimilar medicines
- NICE guidance - upadacitinib for treating moderate rheumatoid arthritis
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