Tofacitinib in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Chronic Plaque Psoriasis

A K Gupta1, M Cernea2, C W Lynde3

  • 1University of Toronto Department of Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada; Mediprobe Research Inc., London, ON, Canada.

Skin Therapy Letter
|March 23, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Tofacitinib effectively treats rheumatoid arthritis and shows promise for psoriasis by inhibiting Janus kinases (JAKs). Phase III trials confirm its superiority over placebo with manageable side effects like upper respiratory infections.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology and Pharmacology
  • Dermatology and Rheumatology

Background:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and chronic plaque psoriasis are inflammatory conditions with significant unmet needs.
  • Janus kinases (JAKs) play a crucial role in the inflammatory pathways implicated in RA and psoriasis pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib, an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor.
  • To assess tofacitinib's therapeutic potential in treating rheumatoid arthritis and chronic plaque psoriasis.

Main Methods:

  • Phase III clinical trials were conducted to investigate tofacitinib's effects.
  • Efficacy and safety data were collected and analyzed across multiple studies.

Main Results:

  • Tofacitinib demonstrated superior efficacy compared to placebo in alleviating symptoms of both RA and psoriasis.
  • The treatment was generally well-tolerated in both patient populations.

Conclusions:

  • Tofacitinib is an effective oral immunosuppressant for rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Tofacitinib represents a promising new therapeutic option for chronic plaque psoriasis.

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