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Advances in rheumatoid arthritis.
Graeme Jones1, Peter Nash2, Stephen Hall3
1Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS g.jones@utas.edu.au.
The Medical Journal of Australia
|March 17, 2017
Summary
Biological and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have transformed rheumatoid arthritis care in Australia. Early treatment initiation and shared care models improve outcomes, making remission achievable and enhancing patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The Australian market features eight approved biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), two biosimilars, and one targeted synthetic DMARD.
- Numerous novel bDMARDs and biosimilars are currently in development, indicating a growing therapeutic landscape.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in Australia.
- To highlight the impact of these therapies on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patient care and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of approved and pipeline DMARDs in Australia.
- Analysis of efficacy, safety, and treatment outcome data for bDMARDs and synthetic DMARDs.
Main Results:
- bDMARDs demonstrate significant efficacy, particularly in combination with traditional DMARDs.
- These therapies offer a manageable safety profile and have revolutionized RA patient care.
- Achieving remission, including drug-free remission, is now a realistic treatment goal.
Conclusions:
- Early initiation of RA therapy is crucial, capitalizing on the "window of opportunity" to alter long-term disease phenotype.
- A shared care model involving general practitioners and rheumatologists optimizes patient outcomes.
- While RA remains incurable, modern treatments enable many patients to attain a normal quality of life.
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