Less-Expensive Therapy Might Be as Effective as Biologic Therapy for RA

But some patients with rheumatoid arthritis do better with biologics.

Biologic therapy is remarkably effective for treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, biologics are expensive, and previous studies have raised questions about whether they are significantly better than conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs; NEJM JW Gen Med Aug 15 2013 and N Engl J Med 2013; 369:307). In this open-label U.K. study, researchers randomized 214 RA patients with inadequate responses to DMARD combinations (usually methotrexate plus sulfasalazine or leflunomide). Patients were randomized to continued DMARD combination therapy (including methotrexate) or to methotrexate plus an anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agent. DMARD combinations were determined by treating clinicians. During the trial,…

Reviewing Author

Jonathan S. Coblyn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory BoardCVS Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Jonathan S. Coblyn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory BoardCVS Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Less-Expensive Therapy Might Be as Effective as Biologic Therapy for RA

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Reviewing Author