Tofacitinib Versus Non-Tumor Necrosis Factor Biologics for Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis

This study aims to compare the disease status of patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after treatment with tofacitinib or non- tumor necrosis factor (TNF) biologics.

The study included a total of 50 RA patients (18 males, 32 females; mean age 68.3±1.3 years; range 42 to 92 years). We prospectively and randomly enrolled 25 patients for treatment with tofacitinib (Tofa group: 10 males, 15 females; mean age 68.3±2.0 years; range, 42 to 92 years) and 25 for treatment with non-TNF biologics (non-TNF group: 8 males, 17 females; mean age 68.3±1.7 years; range 51 to 92 years). Mean disease activity score 28 (DAS28), C-reactive protein (CRP), clinical disease activity index (CDAI), health assessment questionnaire (HAQ)-disability index (DI), and matrix metalloproteinase-3 values were recorded at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 months.

There was a significant difference in the percent changes of DAS28, CRP and CDAI at every time point versus baseline in both treatment groups. HAQ-DI was also significantly different at every time point in both groups except for at four months in the non-TNF group.

Tofacitinib was well tolerated in active RA patients and exerted effects comparable to those of non-TNF biologics.