Discovery could lead to personalized approach to biologics in rheumatoid arthritis

Some people with rheumatoid arthritis respond better than others when treated with biologics called tumour necrosis factor inhibitors. And now research presented at the American College of Rheumatology annual meeting may explain why.Experts discovered that a people with a higher amount/proportion of an inflammatory protein called type 1 interferon beta compared with another inflammatory protein, type 1 interferon alpha, do not respond as well to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors as others.

The finding could lead to a more personalized approach to treatment in rheumatoid arthritis based on the biology of a particular person’s disease.

“Investigating these pathways may identify other targets for therapy or other markers that predict treatment response,” explains Dr Theresa Wampler Muskardin, who led the work. “It will help rheumatologists find the right drug for each patient and spare patients medications that won’t work for them.”

For more in-depth features, interviews and information, subscribe to Arthritis Digest magazine, a popular title that’s published six times a year. Click here for the digital version or tel 0845 643 8470 to order your had copy. You’ll know what your doctor is talking about, what new drugs are in the pipeline and be up to date on helpful products.