Targeted DMARDs For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition.
The condition can be managed through targeted treatments.
DMARDs play an important role in treating the inflammatory process.
These are disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
They modify the immune system, managing its abnormal activity.
They help manage inflammation in conditions such as:
Psoriasis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
They may help reduce:
- Joint swelling and pain
- Stiffness and joint mobility
- Progression of joint /bone damage
DMARDs are classified into –
- Traditional DMARDs –
These have a broad spectrum of activity.
They help reduce the inflammatory condition by several mechanisms.
Methotrexate is often used as an initial treatment.
Examples include:
- Methotrexate
- Leflunomide
- Sulfasalazine
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Biological DMARDs –
These are engineered biological molecules.
They block certain specific enzymes or cells in the immune system.
It helps lower the abnormal immune signaling.
They are used to control moderate to severe conditions.
- Targeted synthetic DMARDs –
These are small synthetic molecules.
They inhibit specific enzymes in the immune cells.
These inhibit intracellular signals.
This reduces immune system-mediated response.
Examples include:
- Tofacitinib
- Baricitinib
When may targeted DMARDs be used?
These are considered in the following cases;
- The condition is not controlled by conventional therapy.
- A person is unable to tolerate the older drugs.
- If the inflammation continues to persist.
The choice of drug is influenced by several other factors, evaluating benefits and risks.
Commonly used targeted synthetic DMARD for rheumatoid arthritis-
Tofacitinib – It is available as Tofamark, manufactured by Aprazer Healthcare.
It inhibits Janus kinases in immune cells.
It reduces the signal for the inflammatory response.
It helps control overactive JAK signals.
It helps reduce inflammation.
It also prevents further joint damage.
Methotrexate/Tofacitinib
Methotrexate is a traditional drug used as initial therapy.
Tofacitinib is a targeted DMARD used to treat uncontrolled conditions.
| Methotrexate | Tofacitinib |
| Multiple mechanisms, including interference with the folate pathway. | Targets specific enzymes |
| It is a commonly used treatment. | Used in advanced conditions |
| Can be given oral /injectable | Given orally |
| It may cause gastrointestinal side effects | It may cause upper respiratory tract side effects. |
Why is it required to regularly monitor functions while using tofacitinib?
Regular function monitoring is an important part of the treatment.
Tofacitinib may alter immunity.
It also causes changes in cholesterol and blood profiles.
Three important tests include:
- Blood cell count
- Lipid profile
Aprazer Healthcare: Manufacturing affordable Tofacitinib
Aprazer Healthcare is a pharmaceutical company manufacturing specialty drugs.
With rheumatology as our core area, we are focused on developing advanced drugs for rheumatology disorders.
Our rheumatology product portfolio includes:
- Conventional DMARDs
- Targeted DMARDs