Targeted therapy in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory joint disease in adults leading to pain and disability. New drugs, called biologicals, have opened up new possibilities in the treatment of RA.

Targeting pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) or interleukin-1 (IL-1) is well established in clinical care of RA patients. However, lack or loss of clinical response occurs in up to 25% of the patients. New strategies beyond these targets, namely blocking T cells by abatacept or B cells by rituximab (RTX), have been introduced recently.

All relevant clinical trials published in peer-reviewed journals are discussed in this article. Data from abstracts presented at congresses have not been included.

TNF blocking agents have significantly improved therapy of and outcome in RA patients and, therefore, are still the first choice biologicals for the treatment of RA. Alternatively, abatacept or RTX offer new options in case of inefficacy of or contraindications against anti-TNF therapy. Forthcoming drugs, such as tocilizumab, will extend our armamentarium to treat RA effectively.