Recent progress in treatments of rheumatoid arthritis: an overview of developments in biologics and small molecules, and remaining unmet needs

Through treatment with biological DMARDs (bDMARDs) or targeted synthetic (tsDMARDs) such as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in addition to MTX, clinical remission has become a realistic therapeutic goal for the majority of patients with RA, and sustained remission facilitates prevention of joint damage and physical dysfunction. Long-term safety and sustained inhibition of structural changes and physical dysfunction by bDMARDs have been reported. The development of next-generation bDMARDs and expansion of their indications to various autoimmune diseases are expected. Five JAK inhibitors show comparable efficacy to bDMARDs, and the latest ones are effective for overcoming difficult-to-treat RA regardless of prior medications. Patients treated with JAK inhibitors should be adequately screened and monitored for infection, cardiovascular disorders, thrombosis, malignancies and so on. Advances in therapeutic strategies, including the differential use of therapeutic drugs and de-escalation of treatment after remission induction, are prioritized.