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Biologic therapies such as anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents have improved outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, anti-TNF drugs are expensive and can have serious side effects, raising questions about how long patients need to remain on these agents and whether those whose disease is in remission can discontinue therapy. In this open-label study from the Netherlands, 817 patients (mean age, 60; 67% women) who were in remission or had low disease activity for ≥6 months were randomized to either stop or continue treatment with their current anti-TNF therapy. In the event of disease flare, anti-TNF therapy could be restarted in the stop group or switched in the continuation group.
Within 12 months, significantly mo…