What Are the Latest FDA-Approved Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved a new drug for rheumatoid arthritis named Tofidence (tocilizumab-bavi), developed by Biogen. This drug is a biosimilar alternative to the U.S.-licensed Actemra (tocilizumab). Both Tofidence and Actemra are interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonists, functioning to suppress the immune system.

The introduction of biologics, a new class of drugs, has significantly advanced the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These innovative drugs, including Cimzia, Enbrel, Humira, Kineret, and Orencia, have transformed RA management strategies.

Among the latest treatments gaining FDA approval for RA are Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. These medications, available in pill form, inhibit the immune system’s production of specific enzymes that contribute to inflammation. JAK inhibitors, such as Rinvoq, Olumiant, and Xeljanz, can be used alone or in combination with other RA medications for enhanced effectiveness.

For patients with moderate to high disease activity, methotrexate remains the preferred initial treatment option for rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate’s strong evidence of disease-modifying activity makes it a cornerstone in RA management.

Further developments in RA treatments include the exploration of BTK inhibitors, neurostimulation, and the potential benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids.

For more details on the FDA’s approval of new drugs for RA, visit HealthNews. To understand more about what’s in the pipeline for RA drugs, check out WebMD. For a comprehensive list of new RA treatments and progress, visit Verywell Health.