Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain
Published on: May 16, 2025
Efficacy of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis
1Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Abstract:
Methotrexate (MTX), an antifolate agent, has been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for over two decades. Open clinical studies and short-term, randomized, placebo-controlled studies demonstrate the efficacy of MTX in active RA. Long-term prospective studies, including two of over 7 yr duration, report a sustained response and a corticosteroid-sparing effect. Comparative studies demonstrate superior efficacy to auranofin, azathioprine and cyclosporin A. A highly favourable retention rate with the drug has been noted in large studies from academic and community-based practices. Radiographic studies suggest a slowing of radiographic progression with the compound. MTX has become an accepted and widely used treatment for active RA.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Phase II Reactions: Methylation Reactions
The mechanism of methylation unfolds in two stages. The first stage sees a methyltransferase enzyme facilitating the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to the substrate, forming S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). The second stage involves further metabolism of SAH into homocysteine, which can be recycled...
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Affecting Factors
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase