Rheumatoid arthritis: in past, present and future scenario

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by joint inflammation and swelling, rheumatoid factor (RF) and anticitrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) production, and bone and cartilage destruction. Drug Trend Report spending on rheumatologics grew 69 percent in the pediatric population in 2004, indicating that children are treated with biotech drugs at an increasing rate Recent studies indicate that early and aggressive therapy, including the use of specialty biotech drugs, can improve outcomes for children with JRA Patients with RA ultimately require DMARD therapy but adequate analgesia is also important. Paracetamol remains the analgesic of choice given its excellent safety profile and is prescribed in regular divided doses to a maximum of 4 g/day. Alone, however, it may provide. Tofacitinib (formerly tasocitinib) was recommended for approval by the Arthritis Advisory Committee to the FDA in May 2012. If approved, this will be the first RA treatment in a new class of medications known as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors insufficient pain relief. Finally, the future will also see the increasing application of gene therapy as a front-line defense against the disease, aiming at long-term corrective treatment.