Rheumatoid Arthritis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Rheumatoid Arthritis, including details on treatment, symptoms, causes, medication.

Novel therapies for rheumatoid arthritis.

Tremoulet AH, Albani S

University of California, Department of Pediatrics, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0731, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disease that causes significant morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis outlined to date in RA consists of a cascade of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines leading to the recruitment of inflammatory cells and the self perpetuation of inflammation, ultimately leading to cartilage and bone destruction. The dramatic progress in understanding the molecular immunology in RA has led to a transition from conventional treatment with aggressive immune suppression to targeted biological-based therapies that control the inflammatory pathways associated with RA. This article reviews the current biological and small-molecule therapies approved for the treatment of RA and those in development, including antibodies, tolerising agents and vaccines.

Published 16 October 2006 in Expert Opin Investig Drugs, 15(11): 1427-41.
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