Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by systemic inflammation primarily affecting the synovial joints. This condition arises from an aberrant immune response targeting the synovium, leading to persistent inflammation, joint damage, and potential systemic manifestations. If left untreated, RA can cause significant damage to the joints and surrounding tissues, potentially leading to complications in the heart, lungs, or nervous system. According to the 2021 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, an estimated 18 million individuals worldwide are living with RA. Notably, approximately 70% of those affected by rheumatoid arthritis are women, with 55% being over the age of 55.
In this article, we will look into the latest guidelines on RA as outlined by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). Following the publication of the “Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis” Guideline, three new medications have been approved for the treatment of RA. This article will focus on the guidelines and the FDA updates that have emerged.
Part 1 – Current RA Guidelines
To start, here is a listing of some of the most recent RA treatment and management guidelines published in the US:
- Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
- American College of Rheumatology
- Publication: June 08, 2021
- This is an updated guideline for the pharmacologic management of rheumatoid arthritis. This clinical practice guideline is intended to serve as a tool to support clinician and patient decision-making.
- Exercise, Rehabilitation, Diet, and Additional Integrative Interventions for Rheumatoid Arthritis
- American College of Rheumatology
- Publication: May 25, 2023
- This guideline addresses the use of exercise, rehabilitation, diet, and additional integrative interventions in conjunction with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) as part of an integrative management approach for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Part 2 – FDA Approvals Since the Most Recent Guidelines
The medications/therapies that have been approved by the FDA since the last RA Treatment Guideline:
- SIMLANDI® (adalimumab-ryvk)
- Teva Pharmaceuticals
- FDA Approved for RA on 2/23/24
- SIMLANDI is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker indicated for reducing signs and symptoms, inducing major clinical response, inhibiting the progression of structural damage, and improving physical function in adult patients with moderately to severely active RA.
- TOFIDENCE™ (tocilizumab-bavi)
- Biogen
- FDA Approved for RA on 9/29/23
- TOFIDENCE is an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist indicated for treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response to one or more Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs).
- RIABNI® (rituximab-arrx)
- Amgen, Inc
- FDA Approved for RA on 6/6/22
- RIABNI is a CD20-directed cytolytic antibody indicated for the treatment of: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in combination with methotrexate in adult patients with moderately-to severely active RA who have inadequate response to one or more TNF antagonist therapies.
Thank you for taking the time to review the current RA guidelines, as well as the recent changes and FDA approvals that have occurred since publication. We value your feedback and would like to hear your suggestions for future topics to be covered in our guideline series. Please feel free to contact us with any ideas or questions you may have.
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