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

On September 29, the FDA announced the approval of a new drug for rheumatoid arthritis called Tofidence (tocilizumab-bavi), manufactured by Biogen. This drug is a biosimilar alternative to the U.S.-licensed Actemra (tocilizumab). Tofidence, like Actemra, is an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist, which plays a crucial role in suppressing the immune system.

JAK inhibitors represent some of the most recent advancements in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), gaining FDA approval for their effectiveness. These medications, available in pill form, inhibit the immune system’s production of certain enzymes that can cause inflammation. JAK inhibitors, which may be used alone or in combination with other RA medications, include FDA-approved brands such as Rinvoq, Olumiant, and Xeljanz.

For patients not responding adequately to methotrexate alone, the addition of another medication is recommended. Studies have shown that “triple therapy,” which includes tofacitinib (Xeljanz), baricitinib (Olumiant), and upadacitinib (Rinvoq), can be effective. These medications, approved between 2012 and 2019, are still under active research to further understand their benefits and applications.

The introduction of a new class of drugs, biologics, has significantly changed the landscape of rheumatoid arthritis treatment. These drugs, which include Cimzia, Enbrel, Humira, Kineret, and Orencia, offer new avenues for managing RA.

In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, three primary classes of drugs are commonly used: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

For more detailed information on these new treatments, visit:
HealthNews,
Verywell Health,
Drugs.com,
AAFP,
Healthline,
WebMD, and
Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center.