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Review
. 2017 Feb;9(2):37-44.
doi: 10.1177/1759720X16687481. Epub 2017 Jan 23.

Baricitinib in rheumatoid arthritis: evidence-to-date and clinical potential

Bindee Kuriya  1 , Marc D Cohen  2 , Ed Keystone  3
Affiliations
Review

Baricitinib in rheumatoid arthritis: evidence-to-date and clinical potential

Bindee Kuriya et al. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2017 Feb.

Abstract

Biologics have changed expectation and outcomes for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the optimal duration and sequence of therapy for this disease has yet to be determined. Also, a significant number of patients do not satisfactorily respond to currently available therapies. The Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors represent a new class of therapies for RA. These drugs work uniquely by inhibiting intracellular pathways thought to be important in the pathogenesis of RA. They are available as oral agents, which is also different from the currently available biologics. Baricitinib has now been evaluated in four phase III clinical trials, and although safety concerns cannot fully be answered until the drug is studied over longer periods of time, the data to date suggest that this drug with its once daily dosing, rapid onset of action and efficacy as monotherapy represents an important addition to the RA therapeutic armamentarium. Further study and experience will better define how baricitinib will be used and by which patients.

Keywords: Janus kinase inhibitors; baricitinib; rheumatoid arthritis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest statement: Dr Kuriya: The Arthritis Society/Canadian Rheumatology Association Clinician Investigator Award; Advisory Board Member for F. Hoffman La Roche Inc, Abbott laboratories, Sanofi-Aventis Inc. Dr Keystone: Sources of funding for research, consulting agreements/advisory boards, speaker honoraria agreements: Amgen Inc., AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Bristol-Myers Squibb, F. Hoffman La Roche Inc., Janssen Inc, Lilly Pharmaceuticals, Lilly Pharmaceuticals, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi-Aventis Inc.

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