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An update on disease modifying antirheumatic drugs
Poorvashree Joshi, Suneela S Dhaneshwar1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Poona College of Pharmacy, Pune-411038, Maharashtra, India. suneeladhaneshwar@rediffmail.com.
Inflammation & Allergy Drug Targets
|September 23, 2014
Summary
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) manage arthritis by slowing disease progression and relieving pain. Newer biological DMARDs offer greater efficacy but face accessibility challenges due to cost.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are crucial for managing inflammatory arthritic conditions.
- Previous limitations of COX-2 inhibitors and glucocorticoids spurred the development of novel DMARDs.
- Approximately 83% of the global population utilizes DMARDs for various rheumatic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
- To detail the mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic properties, and clinical applications of DMARDs.
- To compare the advantages and disadvantages of biological versus non-biological DMARDs.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
- Analysis of mechanisms of action, including anti-inflammatory pathways.
- Comparison of efficacy, side effects, and accessibility of different DMARD classes.
Main Results:
- Non-biological DMARDs (e.g., methotrexate) provide symptomatic relief and disease control.
- Biological DMARDs (e.g., tocilizumab, adalimumab) demonstrate superior efficacy and safety profiles.
- Higher costs limit patient access to advanced biological DMARDs.
Conclusions:
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are essential in treating inflammatory arthritis.
- Understanding DMARD mechanisms and properties is key to optimizing patient outcomes.
- Future research should address the cost-effectiveness and accessibility of biological DMARDs.
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