A new study published in the Rheumatology Advances in Practice journal has revealed valuable insights into the factors influencing the choice and success of biological medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The findings highlight the importance of tailored treatment options for better health outcomes in people with the condition.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful, chronic condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, leading to swelling, pain, and stiffness. For people whose symptoms are not well controlled with standard treatments, biologic drugs can offer targeted relief.
This study looked at how people with RA were treated with different biologic drugs which target specific parts of the immune system. The researchers compared two types of biologic drugs: anti-IL-6 drugs (like tocilizumab and sarilumab) and non-anti-IL-6 drugs (like anti-TNF, B-cell, and T-cell therapies).
Researchers from the National Centre for Population Health & Wellbeing Research, in collaboration with Cardiff University, HDR UK Wales, and Cardiff Metropolitan University, used the SAIL Databank to analyse data from primary and secondary healthcare records and rheumatology clinic visits in Wales. This allowed the team to anonymously follow patients over time, assessing their treatment outcomes and any associated risks.
Key Findings
- The study found that patients with a history of infections or kidney disease were more likely to be prescribed anti-IL-6 biologics (tocilizumab or sarilumab).
- Patients receiving anti-IL-6 biologics were more likely to stick with their treatment compared to those using other types of biologics. Only 18% of anti-IL-6 patients discontinued treatment, compared to 23% of patients on non-IL-6 biologics. This suggests anti-IL-6 therapies may be more manageable for some patients, leading to better long-term outcomes.
- The study highlighted that poorly controlled RA often leads to treatment failure, meaning patients are more likely to stop or switch biologic medications if their symptoms aren’t managed effectively early on.
Biologic treatments are a significant advancement in RA care, offering targeted options for patients who don’t respond well to first-line drugs. This study’s findings show that personalising biologic choices based on patient health histories can help improve treatment success.
Dr Roxanne Cooksey, lead author, said: “Our findings highlight the complex factors that influence treatment decisions in RA. For RA patients, consistent and carefully monitored treatment can make a significant difference in managing their disease and maintaining a good quality of life. Our findings offer valuable insights for clinicians in selecting treatments that optimise patient outcomes while managing associated risks.”
Read the full publication here
This study was supported by an investigator-initiated research grant from Sanofi. The study was also supported by Health Care Research Wales through the National Centre for Population Health and Wellbeing Research.
