Use of biologics in rheumatoid arthritis: where are we going?
OBJECTIVE
The pharmacology, efficacy, safety, and costs of biologic agents that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration or are under review for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are discussed. Biologic therapies that are currently under investigation in early- and late-phase clinical trials are summarized at the end of this report.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of biologic agents for the treatment of RA has significantly improved the management of this disease. Experimental and clinical studies have shown that these agents ameliorate the signs and symptoms of RA, slow radiographic progression of disease, and improve physical function and quality of life. Data also support that early initiation of therapy with these agents improves long-term outcomes. However, biologic agents are associated with adverse effects that health care providers need to recognize and manage.


CONCLUSIONS
Biologic agents have revolutionized the treatment of RA by reducing the signs and symptoms of RA, slowing radiographic progression of joint destruction, and improving physical function and quality of life in affected patients.
Pucino
Frank
F
Howard University College of Pharmacy, Washington, DC 20059, USA. fpucinojr@yahoo.com
Harbus
Phyllis Tish
PT
Goldbach-Mansky
Raphaela
R
D000069594:Abatacept; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics; D001688:Biological Products / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D018796:Immunoconjugates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D053590:Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011788:Quality of Life; D000069283:Rituximab; D000079424:Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D001688:Biological Products; D018796:Immunoconjugates; D053590:Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein; D000079424:Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors; D000069283:Rituximab; D000069594:Abatacept; C502936:tocilizumab