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Janus kinase versus TNF inhibitors: where we stand today in rheumatoid arthritis
Aliki I Venetsanopoulou1, Paraskevi V Voulgari1, Alexandros A Drosos1
1Rheumatology Clinic, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
Introduction:
In recent decades, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment landscape has evolved with the induction of new biological and targeted therapies that provide significant therapeutic benefits in patients with sustained disease.
Areas Covered:
Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) were the first biologics used in the treatment of RA. Although they present a significant efficacy, an insufficient response of some patients led to further research and discovery of targeted therapies, such as Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi), which act at a molecular level, regulating many cytokines. Clinical benefits have been seen with both TNFi and JAKi as monotherapy and combined with conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Still, some significant side effects have been reported with JAKi, and several questions remain about their safety and selectivity in action. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the mechanism of action, the clinical efficacy, and safety of TNFi vs. JAKi.
Expert Opinion:
TNFi and JAKi are particularly useful in treating inflammatory arthropathies. Both drug categories are recommended by ACR and EULAR institutions in RA patients suffering from moderate to severe disease. Safety data in long-term studies are required to determine the optimal benefit to the risk profile of JAKi use.
Insights
Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) and Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) offer significant benefits for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Further long-term safety data for JAK inhibitors are needed to optimize their risk-benefit profile.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment has advanced with biologics and targeted therapies.
- Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) were the first biologics, followed by Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, and safety of TNFi versus JAKi in RA treatment.
- To summarize current knowledge on these advanced RA therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of TNFi and JAKi mechanisms, efficacy, and safety.
- Analysis of clinical trial data and expert recommendations.
Main Results:
- Both TNFi and JAKi are effective as monotherapy or combined with conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
- JAKi have shown clinical benefits but raise concerns regarding safety and selectivity.
Conclusions:
- TNFi and JAKi are recommended for moderate to severe RA by ACR and EULAR.
- Long-term safety data are crucial for determining the optimal benefit-risk profile of JAKi.
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