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What is the success rate of Rituxan (rituximab) in rheumatoid arthritis?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on March 27, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Key Points

What is Rituxan?

Rituxan (rituximab) is a monoclonal antibody, which works by targeting the CD20 protein antigen displayed on the surface of B-cells. It is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and also for a number of other conditions including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GAP) and moderate to severe pemphigus.

How Effective Is Rituxan for RA?

Studies confirm Rituxan reduces symptoms, fatigue, and disability, while also improving health-related quality of life. In clinical trials, the ACR (American College of Rheumatology) response criteria measures how much a patient’s symptoms have improved between two set points in time. ACR20, ACR50 and ACR70 are commonly reported. Patients achieving ACR20, ACR50 and ACR70 show a ≥20%, ≥50% and ≥70% improvement in symptoms between the two set time points, respectively. The ACR criteria looks at the number of swollen and tender joints a patient has, c-reactive protein levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rates and other measures of pain, disability and disease activity.

Rituxan Plus Methotrexate vs. Methotrexate Alone

The REFLEX clinical trial evaluated Rituxan in RA patients with poor response to TNF inhibitors. After 24 weeks:

A separate phase III trial called SUNRISE, in which patients received a second course (re-treatment) of Rituxan, also showed Rituxan plus methotrexate to be better than placebo plus methotrexate.

Related questions

Quality of Life and Fatigue Improvement

Rituxan also showed improvements in fatigue, physical function, and mental health:

Does Rituxan Help Prevent Joint Damage?

Yes. In a long-term REFLEX trial extension, Rituxan helped slow structural joint damage:

Rituxan significantly reduces RA symptoms, improves quality of life, and slows joint damage. It is typically used after TNF inhibitors fail. Patients should discuss risks and benefits with their doctor before starting treatment.

References
  • Cohen SB, Emery P, Greenwald MW, et al. Rituximab for rheumatoid arthritis refractory to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy: Results of a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III trial evaluating primary efficacy and safety at twenty-four weeks. Arthritis Rheum. 2006;54(9):2793-2806. doi:10.1002/art.22025.
  • Mease PJ, Cohen S, Gaylis NB, et al. Efficacy and safety of retreatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with previous inadequate response to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors: results from the SUNRISE trial. J Rheumatol. 2010;37(5):917-927. doi:10.3899/jrheum.090442.
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Rituxan. [Accessed October8, 2021]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/103705s5464lbl.pdf.

Read next

What is the success rate of Rituxan (rituximab) in patients with blood cancers?

In patients with hematological or blood cancers, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Rituxan’s success is measured in a number of ways. It is measured by looking at how long patients responded to treatment (median duration of response), how long they live without their disease progressing (progression-free survival) and how many patients respond to treatment (response rate).

Rituxan treatment improves outcomes in certain patients with NHL. Adding Rituxan alongside standard therapies enhances the response patients have to treatment and improves overall outcomes, including increasing the time patients live for without experiencing a progression of their disease.

Rituxan helps to improve overall survival in certain patients with CLL and also helps to increase the time patients live for without experiencing disease progression. Adding Rituxan alongside standard therapy enhances the response patients have to therapy. 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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