What are the new drugs for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
The newest drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis are the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which are FDA approved under the brand names Rinvoq, Olumiant, and Xeljanz.
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors work by blocking the activity of one or more of the Janus kinase enzymes (JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, TYK2) in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, an intracellular pathway that plays a major role in the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines that stimulate inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are part of a wider group of drugs called DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs). DMARDs work to slow the progression of joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis.
For more information on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, see Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Options
New Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis - Latest FDA Approvals
| Drug | Drug Class | Administration | Company | FDA Approved for RA | RA Indication | Other Indications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| upadacitinib (Rinvoq) | Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor |
oral extended-release tablets once daily |
AbbVie Inc. | 16-Aug-2019 |
|
|
| baricitinib (Olumiant) | Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor | oral tablets once daily | Eli Lilly and Company | 31-May-2018 |
|
|
| sarilumab (Kevzara) | interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist |
subcutaneous injection every 2 weeks |
Sanofi and Regeneron | 22-May-2017 |
|
|
| tofacitinib (Xeljanz XR) | Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor | oral extended-release tablets once daily | Pfizer Inc. | 23-Feb-2016 |
|
|
| golimumab (Simponi Aria) | tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker | intravenous infusion at weeks 0 and 4, then every 8 weeks | Janssen Biotech, Inc. | 18-Jul-2013 |
|
|
| tofacitinib (Xeljanz) | Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor | oral tablets twice daily | Pfizer Inc. | 6-Nov-2012 |
|
|
| tocilizumab (Actemra) | interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist |
intravenous infusion every 4 weeks subcutaneous injection every 2 weeks, then every week |
Genentech, Inc. | 8-Jan-2010 |
|
|
| certolizumab pegol (Cimzia) | tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker | subcutaneous injection at weeks 0, 2, and 4, then every 2-4 weeks | UCB, Inc. | 13-May-2009 |
|
|
| golimumab (Simponi) | tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker |
subcutaneous injection once a month |
Janssen Biotech, Inc. | 24-Apr-2009 |
|
|
| rituximab (Rituxan) | CD20-directed cytolytic antibody | intravenous infusion two infusions separated by 2 weeks (one course) every 24 weeks or based on clinical evaluation (not sooner than every 16 weeks) | Genentech, Inc. | 28-Feb-2006 |
|
|
| abatacept (Orencia) | selective T cell costimulation modulator |
intravenous infusion at 0, 2 and 4 weeks, then every 4 weeks subcutaneous injection once weekly |
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company | 23-Dec-2005 |
|
|
| adalimumab (Humira) | tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker |
subcutaneous injection every 2 weeks |
AbbVie Inc. | 31-Dec-2002 |
|
|
| anakinra (Kineret) | interleukin-1 receptor antagonist |
subcutaneous injection once daily |
Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB | 14-Nov-2001 |
|
|
| infliximab (Remicade) | tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker | intravenous infusion at 0, 2, and 6 weeks, then every 8 weeks | Janssen Biotech, Inc. | 10-Nov-1999 |
|
|
| etanercept (Enbrel) | tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker |
subcutaneous injection once weekly |
Immunex Corporation | 2-Nov-1998 |
|
|
| leflunomide (Arava) | pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor | oral tablets once daily | sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC | 10-Sep-1998 |
|
|
The biosimilars for Actemra, Rituxan, Humira, Remicade, and Enbrel are also FDA approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis:
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Actemra (tocilizumab) Biosimilars
Rituxan (rituximab) Biosimilars
Humira (adalimumab) Biosimilars
- Amjevita (adalimumab-atto)
- Cyltezo (adalimumab-adbm)
- Hyrimoz (adalimumab-adaz)
- Hadlima (adalimumab-bwwd)
- Abrilada (adalimumab-afzb)
- Hulio (adalimumab-fkjp)
- Yusimry (adalimumab-aqvh)
- Idacio (adalimumab-aacf)
- Yuflyma (adalimumab-aaty)
- Simlandi (adalimumab-ryvk)
Remicade (infliximab) Biosimilars
- Inflectra (infliximab-dyyb)
- Renflexis (infliximab-abda)
- Ixifi (infliximab-qbtx)
- Avsola (infliximab-axxq)
Enbrel (etanercept) Biosimilars
Read next
What is the success rate of Rituxan (rituximab) in rheumatoid arthritis?
Treatment with Rituxan (rituximab) successfully improves patient outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis including reducing symptoms, reducing levels of fatigue and disability, and increasing health-related quality of life. It also slows the progression of structural damage in joints. Continue reading
What causes infusion reactions to rituximab?
Rituximab infusion reactions are caused primarily by cytokine release in the body. Cytokines are immune system proteins in the body that help to fight infections but can cause an inflammatory response. Infusion reactions may cause hives, itching, shortness of breath, chest pain or dizziness and are a very common side effect of treatment with rituximab (Rituxan). Continue reading
What is the difference between Rituxan and Rituxan Hycela?
Rituxan (rituximab) is administered intravenously (IV), while Rituxan Hycela is given subcutaneously (SC). Continue reading
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