Combination of Baricitinib and Adalimumab in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Summary

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Intensive combination therapies have revolutionised the management of solid neoplasms, hematologic malignancies, and acquired-immune-deficiency syndrome. These intensive strategies are based on the need to obtain rapid control of disease activity to afford the chance of stable full remission and avo...

Intensive combination therapies have revolutionised the management of solid neoplasms, hematologic malignancies, and acquired-immune-deficiency syndrome. These intensive strategies are based on the need to obtain rapid control of disease activity to afford the chance of stable full remission and avoid irreversible complications. The same goal applies to management of RA. Because current therapeutic strategies may fall short of these target goals and fail to improve quality of life in some patients, novel approaches are needed to improve outcomes. RA is a complex disease involving numerous cell types and inflammatory mediators of innate and adaptive immune systems. The investigators are aware that most of combination bDMARD strategies have been associated with little or no incremental benefit in efficacy compared to single-biologic therapy. However, our study will target mechanisms that differ from those in previous studies. Strategies that simultaneously target different pathways involved in the pathogenesis of RA may enhance treatment responses in patients with RA. Of note, baricitinib does not directly block signalling downstream of TNF, even if an indirect effect on TNF production is likely to occur. Targeting multiple inflammatory cytokines in combination may lead to more effective treatment and enhanced clinical responses in patients with RA compared to the current second-line strategies. The different mechanisms of action of baricitinib and adalimumab, should ensure the efficacy of the combination. No concurrent trial evaluating similar strategies is registered at ClinicalTrial.gov.

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