Rationale of using different biological therapies in rheumatoid arthritis

Arthritis Res Ther. 2010;12(4):214. doi: 10.1186/ar3102. Epub 2010 Aug 24.

Abstract

Due to ongoing developments of novel agents in the field of biological pharmacotherapy, there are now more arrows available in clinicians' quivers for the treatment of rheumatic conditions. As a consequence, however, clear treatment strategies have to be defined in order to guarantee a qualitatively high and individually stage-adapted, state-of-the-art regimen for affected patients. This review summarizes recent evidence regarding the rationale of using different biological therapies to treat rheumatoid arthritis, the most common inflammatory joint disorder after activated osteoarthritis, and draws an actual picture of a possible standardized therapeutic algorithm without claiming exclusive appropriateness.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
  • Biological Therapy / methods*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antirheumatic Agents