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Rheumatoid arthritis and the era of biologic therapy

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Abstract

Biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs have transformed the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) since their introduction into clinical practice over a decade ago. Following large-scale clinical trials, a number of biologics, with different mechanisms of action, have been licensed for the condition. In this review, we will summarise the current evidence for biologic use in RA with an emphasis on their efficacy and tolerability. In addition, we will provide a commentary on the current limitations and unmet needs in this area and discuss the future of biologic intervention.

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Acknowledgments

Dr Malaviya’s Clinical Research Fellowship is funded by CARE (Cambridge Arthritis Research Endeavour) E6 Level 6, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills road, Cambridge, UK CB2 0QQ.

Conflict of interest

Andrew Ostor has received support from (including attendance at conferences), undertakes clinical trials and acts as a consultant to Roche, Chugai, MSD, Abbott, Pfizer, BMS, GSK, MerckSorono and UCB.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK

    Anshuman P. Malaviya & Andrew J. K. Östör

  2. Rheumatology Clinical Research Unit, E6, Level 6, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Rd, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK

    Anshuman P. Malaviya & Andrew J. K. Östör

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  1. Anshuman P. Malaviya
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  2. Andrew J. K. Östör
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Correspondence to Anshuman P. Malaviya.

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Malaviya, A.P., Östör, A.J.K. Rheumatoid arthritis and the era of biologic therapy. Inflammopharmacol 20, 59–69 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-012-0123-y

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