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Sen R, Riofrio M, Singh JA. A narrative review of the comparative safety of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2024; 23:687-714. [PMID: 38695151 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2024.2348575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have improved the outcomes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). DMARDs are classified into three categories: conventional synthetic DMARDs, biological DMARDs (including biosimilars), and targeted synthetic DMARDs. DMARDs, by way of their effect on the immune system, are associated with increased risk of adverse events, including infections, malignancies, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal perforations, and other less common events. AREAS COVERED In this narrative literature review performed with searches of the PubMed database from 1 January 2010 through 1 January 2023, we compare the risk of safety events between DMARDs using data from both randomized clinical trials and observational studies. EXPERT OPINION DMARD use in RA is associated with higher rates of serious infections, tuberculosis reactivation, opportunistic infections, and possibly malignancies. Specific biologic DMARDs and higher doses are associated with elevated risks of various adverse events (gastrointestinal perforations, thromboembolism, serious infection). Shared decision-making is paramount when choosing a treatment regimen for patients based on their own comorbidities. JAKi are the newest class of medications used for RA with robust safety data provided in clinical trials. However, more real-world evidence and phase-IV pharmacovigilance data are needed to better understand comparative safety profile of DMARDs in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouhin Sen
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, The University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Medicine/Rheumatology Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Maria Riofrio
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, The University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jasvinder A Singh
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, The University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Medicine/Rheumatology Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), Birmingham, AL, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, UAB School of Public Health, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Yoshida S, Miyata M, Suzuki E, Kanno T, Sumichika Y, Saito K, Matsumoto H, Temmoku J, Fujita Y, Matsuoka N, Asano T, Sato S, Migita K. Incidence Rates of Infections in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Treated with Janus Kinase or Interleukin-6 Inhibitors: Results of a Retrospective, Multicenter Cohort Study. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3000. [PMID: 38792541 PMCID: PMC11122599 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13103000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to compare the incidence rates (IRs) of infections, including herpes zoster (HZ), in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) or interleukin-6 inhibitors (IL-6is). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 444 RA patients treated using IL-6is (n = 283) or JAKis (n = 161). After adjusting for clinical characteristic imbalances by propensity score matching (PSM), we compared the IRs of infections including HZ between the JAKi and IL-6i groups. Results: Observational period: 1423.93 patient years (PY); median observational period: 2.51 years. After PSM, incidence rate ratios comparing JAKi with IL-6i were 3.45 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.48-9.04) for serious infections other than HZ indicating that the JAKi-treated group was more likely to develop serious infection than the IL-6i-treated group. Multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that the use of prednisolone > 5.0 mg/day, coexisting interstitial lung disease (ILD), and diabetes mellitus (DM) were independent risk factors for serious infections. The crude IR for HZ was significantly higher in the JAKi group, but the difference between groups was not significant (IRR: 2.83, 95% CI: 0.87-10.96) in PSM analysis. Unadjusted and PSM analyses performed in our study showed increased IRs of serious infections in patients with RA treated with JAKis compared with those treated with IL-6is. Conclusions: The presence of ILD or DM and the use of prednisolone were found to be independent risk factors for serious infection in RA patients treated using JAKis. Whereas the IRs for HZ after PSM were not significantly different between the JAKi and IL-6i groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhei Yoshida
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (S.Y.); (Y.S.); (K.S.); (H.M.); (J.T.); (Y.F.); (N.M.); (T.A.); (S.S.)
| | - Masayuki Miyata
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Red Cross Hospital, Yashima 7-7, Fukushima 960-8136, Japan;
| | - Eiji Suzuki
- Department of Rheumatology, Ohta Nishinouchi General Hospital Foundation, 2-5-20 Nishinouchi, Koriyama 963-8558, Japan; (E.S.); (T.K.)
| | - Takashi Kanno
- Department of Rheumatology, Ohta Nishinouchi General Hospital Foundation, 2-5-20 Nishinouchi, Koriyama 963-8558, Japan; (E.S.); (T.K.)
| | - Yuya Sumichika
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (S.Y.); (Y.S.); (K.S.); (H.M.); (J.T.); (Y.F.); (N.M.); (T.A.); (S.S.)
| | - Kenji Saito
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (S.Y.); (Y.S.); (K.S.); (H.M.); (J.T.); (Y.F.); (N.M.); (T.A.); (S.S.)
| | - Haruki Matsumoto
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (S.Y.); (Y.S.); (K.S.); (H.M.); (J.T.); (Y.F.); (N.M.); (T.A.); (S.S.)
| | - Jumpei Temmoku
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (S.Y.); (Y.S.); (K.S.); (H.M.); (J.T.); (Y.F.); (N.M.); (T.A.); (S.S.)
| | - Yuya Fujita
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (S.Y.); (Y.S.); (K.S.); (H.M.); (J.T.); (Y.F.); (N.M.); (T.A.); (S.S.)
| | - Naoki Matsuoka
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (S.Y.); (Y.S.); (K.S.); (H.M.); (J.T.); (Y.F.); (N.M.); (T.A.); (S.S.)
| | - Tomoyuki Asano
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (S.Y.); (Y.S.); (K.S.); (H.M.); (J.T.); (Y.F.); (N.M.); (T.A.); (S.S.)
| | - Shuzo Sato
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (S.Y.); (Y.S.); (K.S.); (H.M.); (J.T.); (Y.F.); (N.M.); (T.A.); (S.S.)
| | - Kiyoshi Migita
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (S.Y.); (Y.S.); (K.S.); (H.M.); (J.T.); (Y.F.); (N.M.); (T.A.); (S.S.)
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Gentileschi S, Gaggiano C, Damiani A, Coccia C, Bernardini P, Cazzato M, D'Alessandro F, Vallifuoco G, Terribili R, Bardelli M, Baldi C, Cantarini L, Mosca M, Frediani B, Guiducci S. Impact of age and cardiovascular risk factors on the incidence of adverse events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with Janus Kinase inhibitors: data from a real-life multicentric cohort. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:62. [PMID: 38554250 PMCID: PMC10981583 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01325-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Inhibiting Janus Kinases (JAK) is a crucial therapeutic strategy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the use of JAK inhibitors has recently raised serious safety concerns. The study aims to evaluate the safety profile of JAKi in patients with RA and identify potential risk factors (RFs) for adverse events (AEs). Data of RA patients treated with JAKi in three Italian centers from January 2017 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. 182 subjects (F:117, 64.3%) underwent 193 treatment courses. 78.6% had at least one RF, including age ≥ 65 years, obesity, smoking habit, hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia, diabetes, previous VTE or cancer, and severe mobility impairment. We identified 70 AEs (28/100 patients/year), among which 15 were serious (6/100 patients/year). A high disease activity was associated with AEs occurrence (p = 0.03 for CDAI at T0 and T6; p = 0.04 for SDAI at T0 and T6; p = 0.01 and p = 0.04 for DAS28ESR at T6 and T12, respectively). No significant differences in AEs occurrence were observed after stratification by JAKi molecules (p = 0.44), age groups (p = 0.08) nor presence of RFs (p > 0.05 for all of them). Neither the presence of any RFs, nor the cumulative number of RFs shown by the patient, nor age ≥ 65 did predict AEs occurrence. Although limited by the small sample size and the limited number of cardiovascular events, our data do not support the correlation between cardiovascular RFs-including age-and a higher incidence of AEs during JAKi therapy. The role of uncontrolled disease activity in AEs occurrence should by emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Gentileschi
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Univeristaria Senese, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - Carla Gaggiano
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Univeristaria Senese, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Arianna Damiani
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Carmela Coccia
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Pamela Bernardini
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Cazzato
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco D'Alessandro
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Vallifuoco
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Univeristaria Senese, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Riccardo Terribili
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Univeristaria Senese, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Marco Bardelli
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Univeristaria Senese, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Caterina Baldi
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Univeristaria Senese, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Luca Cantarini
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Univeristaria Senese, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Marta Mosca
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Bruno Frediani
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Univeristaria Senese, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Serena Guiducci
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Vassilakis KD, Magiouf K, Siebert S, Fragoulis GE. Selective JAK-Inhibitors in Spondyloarthritis. Mediterr J Rheumatol 2024; 35:27-36. [PMID: 38756935 PMCID: PMC11094441 DOI: 10.31138/mjr.311023.sji] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
As our research interest and knowledge increases in the field of Spondyloarthritis, new aspects also emerge as regards to their therapeutic approach. JAK inhibitors (JAKi) are a relatively new treatment option, aiming molecules in the JAK-STAT pathway, which has a leading role in the pathophysiology of both Psoriatic Arthritis and Axial Spondyloarthritis. JAKi exhibit different selectivity towards the four different members of the JAK family (namely JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2), possibly reflecting different efficacy and safety profile. Although knowledge is more consolidated for rheumatoid arthritis in which JAKi are being used for more than 10 years, data are still accumulating for PsA/SpA. In this review we aim to present and assess current knowledge about the efficacy of JAKi (with a focus on selective JAKi) in the treatment of patients with SpA and evaluate their safety profile as some concerns may arise around this therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos D. Vassilakis
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantina Magiouf
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stefan Siebert
- School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - George E. Fragoulis
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
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D'Alessandro F, Cazzato M, Laurino E, Morganti R, Bardelli M, Frediani B, Buongarzone C, Moroncini G, Guiducci S, Cometi L, Benucci M, Ligobbi F, Marotto D, Mosca M. ToRaRI (Tofacitinib in Rheumatoid Arthritis a Real-Life experience in Italy): Effectiveness, safety profile of tofacitinib and concordance between patient-reported outcomes and physician's global assessment of disease activity in a retrospective study in Central-Italy. Clin Rheumatol 2024; 43:657-665. [PMID: 38135860 PMCID: PMC10834550 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06836-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The use of Janus Kinase Inhibitors (JAK-Is) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has entered in daily practice. In consideration of ORAL-Surveillance trial and the new EULAR recommendations, real-world data are needed to assess Jak-Is safety and effectiveness. The multicenter study presented here aimed to evaluate effectiveness and safety of tofacitinib in a real-life cohort. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed from September 2021 to December 2022. Data were collected when tofacitinib was started (T0) and after 3 (T3), 6 (T6) and 12 (T12) months of treatment. The primary objective was to analyze the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib. Safety was assessed by recording adverse events (AEs) with and without discontinuation. The secondary objective was to assess the difference between Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) and Physician's Global Assessment of disease activity (PhGA). RESULTS 122 patients were included in the study from the following rheumatology Centers: Pisa, Ancona, Florence (two Centers), Siena, and Sardinia. A statistically significant improvement in DAS-28-CRP, CDAI and SDAI score was observed at T3, T6, compared to baseline (p < 0.001). Improvement was confirmed in patients who reach T12. Patients naïve to bDMARDs showed a shorter remission time and higher remission rates. There was also a statistically significant improvement in PROs compared to baseline (p < 0.001). The improvement was rapid and was consistent with PhGA. The 12-month retention rate for tofacitinib was 89.35%. Reasons to stop tofacitinib were: insufficient response (7), gastrointestinal symptoms (2), infection (1), malignancy (1), Zoster (1), pruritus sine materia (1). CONCLUSIONS Tofacitinib is safe and effective in our RA cohort. It induces higher remission rates in patients naive to bDMARDs, suggesting that there may be a benefit using it as first-line therapy. Additionally, improvement in PROs was consistent with PhGA scores, demonstrating how tofacitinib affects both the objective and subjective components of disease activity. Key Points 1. JAK inhibitors are considered at a similar level as biologic agents in terms of effectiveness. 2. After ORAL-Surveillance results, real-world data are needed to assess the benefit/risk profile of Jaki. 3. Disagreement between patients and physicians has been previously reported with biologic therapy among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, with patients rating disease activity higher than physicians. 4. Jak inhibitors could reduce this discrepancy, due to their mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Marco Bardelli
- Rheumatology Unit-Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences-University Hospital Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Bruno Frediani
- Rheumatology Unit-Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences-University Hospital Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Claudia Buongarzone
- Internal Medicine Residency Programme, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Serena Guiducci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Cometi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maurizio Benucci
- Rheumatology Unit, S.Giovanni Di Dio Firenze Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Ligobbi
- Rheumatology Unit, S.Giovanni Di Dio Firenze Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Marta Mosca
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Szekanecz Z, Buch MH, Charles-Schoeman C, Galloway J, Karpouzas GA, Kristensen LE, Ytterberg SR, Hamar A, Fleischmann R. Efficacy and safety of JAK inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis: update for the practising clinician. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2024; 20:101-115. [PMID: 38216757 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-01062-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, including tofacitinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib and filgotinib, are increasingly used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There has been debate about their safety, particularly following the issuance of guidance by regulatory agencies advising caution in their use in certain patients. The registrational clinical trials and registry data of JAK inhibitors did not identify a difference in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), venous thromboembolism, malignancies or infections (other than herpes zoster) with a JAK inhibitor versus a biologic DMARD. In the ORAL Surveillance trial, which enrolled patients >50 years of age with ≥1 cardiovascular risk factor, tofacitinib was statistically inferior to TNF inhibitors for the occurrence of MACEs and malignancy. Further post hoc analysis of the data revealed that an age of ≥65 years, a high baseline cardiovascular risk, a history of smoking, sustained inflammation, disease activity and suboptimal treatment of cardiovascular comorbidities all increase the risk of these outcomes. The guidance issued by regulatory agencies should be carefully considered to ensure appropriate and safe treatment of patients with RA without undertreatment of patients who might benefit from JAK inhibitor, as well as biologic, treatment. As always, the risks associated with the use of these agents, treatment goals, costs and patient preferences should be discussed with the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Szekanecz
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.
| | - Maya H Buch
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Christina Charles-Schoeman
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Harbour-University of California Los Angeles Medical Centre, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - James Galloway
- Department of Inflammation Biology and Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, King's College London, London, UK
| | - George A Karpouzas
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Harbour-University of California Los Angeles Medical Centre, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lars Erik Kristensen
- The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Attila Hamar
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Roy Fleischmann
- Metroplex Clinical Research Center and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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Mok CC, So H, Yim CW, To CH, Lao WN, Wong SPY, Ng HY, Lee JMY, Lee PML, Ying SKY, Leung MH, Ho CTK. Safety of the JAK and TNF inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis: real world data from the Hong Kong Biologics Registry. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:358-365. [PMID: 37129549 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), cancer and infective complications in RA patients using Janus kinase (JAKis) and TNF (TNFis) inhibitors. METHOD A retrospective analysis of data from the Hong Kong Biologics Registry 2008-2021 was performed. RA patients who had ever used JAKis or TNFis were included. The incidence of MACEs, cancer and infections were compared between the two groups, with adjustment for confounding factors. RESULTS A total of 2471 courses of JAKis (n = 551) and TNFis (n = 1920) were used in 1732 RA patients (83.7% women, age 53.8 [12.5] years; follow-up 6431 patient-years). JAKi users had significantly older age, more atherosclerotic risk factors and higher frequency of past malignancies. A total of 15 and 40 MACEs developed in the JAKi and TNFi users, respectively (incidence 1.34 vs 0.75 per 100 patient-years; P = 0.22). There was no significant difference in the incidence of cancers between the two groups (0.81 [JAKi] vs 0.85 [TNFi] per 100 patient-years; P = 0.25). The adjusted hazard ratios of MACE and cancer in the JAKi users were 1.36 (95% CI: 0.62, 2.96) (P = 0.44) and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.39, 1.95) (P = 0.74), respectively. Rates of infections were significantly higher in the JAKi than TNFi users (16.3 vs 9.9 per 100 patient-years; P = 0.02), particularly herpes zoster (3.49 vs 0.94 per 100 patient-years; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In a real-life setting, there is no increase in MACEs or cancers in users of JAKis compared with TNFis. However, the incidence of non-serious infections, including herpes zoster, was increased in users of JAKis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Chiu Mok
- Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ho So
- Department of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Cheuk Wan Yim
- Department of Medicine, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chi Hung To
- Department of Medicine, Pok Oi Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Weng Nga Lao
- Department of Medicine, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Stella Pui Yan Wong
- Department of Medicine, Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hoi Yan Ng
- Department of Medicine, Caritas Medical Center, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | | | | | - Moon Ho Leung
- Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Rubbert-Roth A, Kakehasi AM, Takeuchi T, Schmalzing M, Palac H, Coombs D, Liu J, Anyanwu SI, Lippe R, Curtis JR. Malignancy in the Upadacitinib Clinical Trials for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, and Non-radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis. Rheumatol Ther 2024; 11:97-112. [PMID: 37982966 PMCID: PMC10796874 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-023-00621-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This article aims to describe malignancies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), or non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) treated with upadacitinib (UPA) or active comparators. METHODS This integrated safety analysis includes data from 11 phase 3 UPA trials across RA (6 trials), PsA (2 trials), AS (2 trials; one phase 2b/3), and nr-axSpA (1 trial). Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were summarized for RA (pooled UPA 15 mg [UPA15], pooled UPA 30 mg [UPA30], adalimumab 40 mg [ADA], methotrexate monotherapy [MTX]), PsA (pooled UPA15, pooled UPA30, ADA), AS (pooled UPA15), and nr-axSpA (UPA15). TEAEs were reported as exposure-adjusted event rates (events/100 patient-years). RESULTS Median treatment duration ranged from 1.0 to 4.0 years (with a maximum of 6.6 years in RA). Across treatments and indications, rates of malignancy excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) ranged from 0.2 to 1.1, while NMSC ranged from 0.0 to 1.4. In RA, rates of malignancy excluding NMSC were generally similar between UPA15, UPA30, ADA, and MTX (breast and lung cancer were the most common). In RA and PsA, Kaplan-Meier analyses revealed no differences in event onset of malignancy excluding NMSC with UPA15 versus UPA30 over time. In RA, NMSC rates were higher with UPA30 than UPA15; both UPA15 and UPA30 were higher than ADA and MTX. In PsA, rates of malignancy excluding NMSC and NMSC were generally similar between UPA15, UPA30, and ADA. In AS and nr-axSpA, malignancies were reported infrequently. Few events of lymphoma were reported across the clinical programs. CONCLUSION Rates of malignancy excluding NMSC were generally similar between UPA15, UPA30, ADA, and MTX and were consistent across RA, PsA, AS, and nr-axSpA. A dose-dependent increased rate of NMSC was observed with UPA in RA. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicaTrials.gov identifier: NCT02706873, NCT02675426, NCT02629159, NCT02706951, NCT02706847, NCT03086343, NCT03104400, NCT03104374, NCT03178487, and NCT04169373.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Rubbert-Roth
- Division of Rheumatology, Cantonal Clinic St Gallen, Rorschacherstrasse 95, St Gallen, Switzerland.
| | - Adriana M Kakehasi
- Hospital das Clínicas, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Tsutomu Takeuchi
- Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Marc Schmalzing
- Rheumatology/Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Wϋrzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Ralph Lippe
- AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Jeffrey R Curtis
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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9
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Brown P, Pratt AG, Hyrich KL. Therapeutic advances in rheumatoid arthritis. BMJ 2024; 384:e070856. [PMID: 38233032 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-070856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common immune mediated inflammatory diseases. People with rheumatoid arthritis present with pain, swelling, and stiffness that typically affects symmetrically distributed small and large joints. Without effective treatment, significant joint damage, disability, and work loss develop, owing to chronic inflammation of the joint lining (synovium). Over the past 25 years, the management of this condition has been revolutionized, resulting in substantially higher levels of disease remission and better long term outcomes. This improvement reflects a paradigm shift towards early and aggressive pharmacological intervention coupled with a proliferation in treatment choice, in turn related to enhanced pathobiological understanding and the advent of new drugs for rheumatoid arthritis. Following an overview of these developments from a historical perspective, and with a general audience in mind, this review focuses on newer, targeted treatments in an ever evolving landscape. The review highlights ongoing areas of debate and unmet need, including the proportion of patients with persistent, difficult-to-treat disease, despite recent advances. Also discussed are personalized, strategic approaches to individual patients, the role for imaging in clinical decision making, and the goal of sustained, drug free remission and disease prevention in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Brown
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals and Cumbria, Northumberland; and Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Arthur G Pratt
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals and Cumbria, Northumberland; and Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Kimme L Hyrich
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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10
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Bonelli M, Kerschbaumer A, Kastrati K, Ghoreschi K, Gadina M, Heinz LX, Smolen JS, Aletaha D, O'Shea J, Laurence A. Selectivity, efficacy and safety of JAKinibs: new evidence for a still evolving story. Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:139-160. [PMID: 37923366 PMCID: PMC10850682 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-223850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Fundamental insight gained over the last decades led to the discovery of cytokines as pivotal drivers of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis/psoriasis arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, atopic dermatitis and spondylarthritis. A deeper understanding of the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects of various cytokines has prompted new cytokine-targeting therapies, which revolutionised the treatment options in the last years for patients with inflammatory disorders. Disease-associated immune responses typically involve a complex interplay of multiple cytokines. Therefore, blockade of one single cytokine does not necessarily lead to a persistent remission in all patients with inflammatory disorders and fostered new therapeutic strategies targeting intracellular pathways shared by multiple cytokines. By inhibiting JAK-STAT signalling pathways common to families of cytokines, JAK-inhibitors (JAKinibs) have created a new paradigm for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Multiple agents have been approved for various disorders and more are being investigated for several new indications. Second-generation selective JAKinibs have been devised with the aim to achieve an increased selectivity and a possible reduced risk of side effects. In the current review, we will summarise the current body of evidence of pan versus selective JAKinibs and the most recent insights on new side effects and indications, including COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bonelli
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Kerschbaumer
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kastriot Kastrati
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kamran Ghoreschi
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Massimo Gadina
- Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Leonhard X Heinz
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Josef S Smolen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Aletaha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - John O'Shea
- Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Arian Laurence
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Haematology, University College Hospital, UCLH Hospitals NHS Trust, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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11
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Westermann R, Cordtz RL, Duch K, Mellemkjaer L, Hetland ML, Burden AM, Dreyer L. Cancer risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with janus kinase inhibitors: a nationwide Danish register-based cohort study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:93-102. [PMID: 37052534 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate the risk of first primary cancer in patients with RA treated with janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) compared with those who received biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) in a real-world setting. METHODS We performed an observational cohort study using the nationwide registers in Denmark. Patients with RA aged 18+ years, without a previous cancer diagnosis, and who initiated treatment with JAKi or bDMARDs from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2020 were followed for any cancer (except non-melanoma skin cancer). We applied inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) to account for covariate differences between treatment groups. IPTW-generated weights were used with cause-specific Cox (CSC) models to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for cancer incidence in JAKi-treated compared with bDMARD-treated patients with RA. RESULTS We identified 875 and 4247 RA patients treated with JAKi and bDMARDs, respectively. The JAKi group contributed 1315 person years (PYRS) and 19 cancers, the bDMARD group contributed 8597 PYRS and 111 cancers, with corresponding crude incidence rates per 1000 PYRS of 14.4 and 12.9. Comparing the two groups using weighted CSC models, a HR of 1.41 (95% CI 0.76, 2.37, 95% CIs) was seen for JAKi- vs bDMARD-treated patients with RA. CONCLUSION JAKi treatment in real-world patients with RA was not associated with a statistically significant increased risk of first primary cancer compared with those who received bDMARDs. However, several numerically increased risk estimates were detected, and a clinically important excess risk of cancer among JAKi recipients cannot be dismissed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasmus Westermann
- Center of Rheumatic Research Aalborg (CERRA), Department of Rheumatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg University, Denmark
- Clinical Cancer Research Unit, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - René Lindholm Cordtz
- Center of Rheumatic Research Aalborg (CERRA), Department of Rheumatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg University, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Duch
- Center of Rheumatic Research Aalborg (CERRA), Department of Rheumatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg University, Denmark
- Unit of Clinical Biostatistics, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Lene Mellemkjaer
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center (DCRC), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Merete Lund Hetland
- The DANBIO Registry, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre of Head and Orthopedics, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre of Head and Orthopedics, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Andrea Michelle Burden
- Pharmacoepidemiology Group, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lene Dreyer
- Center of Rheumatic Research Aalborg (CERRA), Department of Rheumatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg University, Denmark
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Narla S, Silverberg JI. Efficacy and Risk Stratification of Janus Kinase Inhibitors in the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis. Dermatitis 2024; 35:S24-S38. [PMID: 37527229 DOI: 10.1089/derm.2023.0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Recently, 3 oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors-abrocitinib, baricitinib, and upadacitinib-were approved in many regions around the world for the treatment of moderate-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). These JAK inhibitors generally have rapid onset of action and short half-life. Higher doses of abrocitinib and upadactinib even demonstrated superior efficacy to dupilumab. However, JAK inhibitors can be associated with rare serious and potentially life-threatening adverse events. Heterogeneity in study designs and lack of head-to-head studies make safety comparison between JAK inhibitors difficult. Dose reduction and patient selection are the most important considerations for risk mitigation. This narrative review examines the efficacy data for abrocitinib, baricitinib, and upadacitinib from large phase III double-blinded randomized controlled trials in AD and discusses risk stratification for oral JAK inhibitors in AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanthi Narla
- From the Department of Dermatology, St. Luke's University Health Network, Easton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jonathan I Silverberg
- Department of Dermatology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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13
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Bower H, Frisell T, di Giuseppe D, Delcoigne B, Lindström U, Turesson C, Chatzidionysiou K, Lindqvist E, Knight A, Forsblad-d'Elia H, Askling J. Are JAKis more effective among elderly patients with RA, smokers and those with higher cardiovascular risk? A comparative effectiveness study of b/tsDMARDs in Sweden. RMD Open 2023; 9:e003648. [PMID: 38151264 PMCID: PMC10753711 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate whether the relative effectiveness of janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) versus tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) or other biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in rheumatoid arthritis differ by the presence or absence of risk factors for cardiovascular (CV) disease, age, sex and smoking. METHODS Through Swedish registers, we identified 13 493 individuals with 3166 JAKi, 5575 non-TNFi and 11 286 TNFi treatment initiations 2016-2022. All lines of therapy were included, with the majority in second line or higher. Treatment response was defined as the proportion reaching European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) good response and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) remission, respectively, within 6 months. Crude percentage point differences in these proportions (JAKis, and non-TNFis, vs TNFis) overall and by risk factors were observed, and adjusted for confounders using linear regression models. Predicted probabilities of response and remission were estimated from adjusted Poisson models, and presented across CV risk and age. RESULTS Overall, adjusted percentage point differences indicated higher response (+5.0%, 95% CI 2.2% to 7.9%) and remission (+5.8%, 95% CI 3.2% to 8.5%) with JAKis versus TNFis. The adjusted percentage point differences for response in those above 65, at elevated CV risk, and smokers were +5.9% (95% CI 2.7% to 9.0%), +8.3% (95% CI 5.3% to 11.4%) and +6.0% (95% CI 3.3% to 8.7%), respectively. The corresponding estimates for remission were +8.0% (95% CI 5.3% to 10.8%), +5.6% (95% CI 3.0% to 8.2%) and +7.6% (95% CI 5.5% to 9.7%). CONCLUSIONS As used in clinical practice, response and remission at 6 months with JAKis are higher than with TNFi. Among patients with risk factors of concern, effectiveness is similar or numerically further increased. For individualised benefit-to-risk ratios to guide treatment choice, safety and effectiveness in specific patient segments should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Bower
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas Frisell
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniela di Giuseppe
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Benedicte Delcoigne
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulf Lindström
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carl Turesson
- Rheumatology, Department of Clinical Science Malmö, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | | | - Elisabet Lindqvist
- Section of Rheumatology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ann Knight
- Rheumatology, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helena Forsblad-d'Elia
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johan Askling
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Rheumatology, Theme Inflammation and Ageing, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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14
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Balsa A, Díaz Del Campo Fontecha P, Silva Fernández L, Valencia Martín J, Nistal Martínez V, León Vázquez F, Hernández Hernández MV, Corominas H, Cáliz Cáliz R, Aguado García JM, Candelas Rodríguez G, Ibargoyen Roteta N, Martí Carvajal A, Plana Farras MN, Puñal Riobóo J, Park HS, Triñanes Pego Y, Villaverde García V. Recommendations by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology on risk management of biological treatment and JAK inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. REUMATOLOGIA CLINICA 2023; 19:533-548. [PMID: 38008602 DOI: 10.1016/j.reumae.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To present recommendations based on the available evidence and the consensus of experts, for risk management of biological treatment and JAK inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS Clinical research questions relevant to the purpose of the document were identified. These questions were reformulated in PICO format (patient, intervention, comparison, outcome or outcome) by a panel of experts, selected based on their experience in the area. A systematic review of the evidence was carried out, grading according to the GRADE criteria (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation). Specific recommendations were then formulated. RESULTS 6 PICO questions were proposed by the panel of experts based on their clinical relevance and the existence of recent information regarding the risk of occurrence of serious infections, the risk of reactivation of the hepatitis B virus, the risk of reactivation of the virus varicella-zoster, the risk of appearance of skin (melanoma and non-melanoma) or haematological cancer, the risk of appearance of thromboembolic disease and the risk of progression of the human papilloma virus. A total of 28 recommendations were formulated, structured by question, based on the evidence found and the consensus of the experts. CONCLUSIONS The SER recommendations on risk management of treatment with biologic therapies and JAK inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Balsa
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Lucía Silva Fernández
- Servicio de Reumatología, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - José Valencia Martín
- Unidad de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Fernando León Vázquez
- Medicina de Familia, Centro de Salud San Juan de la Cruz, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Vanesa Hernández Hernández
- Servicio de Reumatología, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Canarias, San Cristóbal de la Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Héctor Corominas
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitari de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau & Hospital Dos de Maig, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - José María Aguado García
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre. CIBERINFEC, ISCIII. Departamento de Medicina, UCM, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Nora Ibargoyen Roteta
- Servicio de Evaluación de Tecnologías Sanitarias del País Vasco (Osteba). BIOEF, Barakaldo, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - Arturo Martí Carvajal
- Cátedra Rectoral de Medicina basada en la Evidencia, Universidad de Carabobo, Venezuela; Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito, Ecuador
| | - M Nieves Plana Farras
- Unidad de Evaluación de Tecnologías Sanitarias, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS. CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Janet Puñal Riobóo
- Unidad de Asesoramiento Científico-técnico, Avalia-t, Agencia Gallega para la Gestión del Conocimiento en Salud, ACIS, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Hye Sang Park
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yolanda Triñanes Pego
- Unidad de Asesoramiento Científico-técnico, Avalia-t, Agencia Gallega para la Gestión del Conocimiento en Salud, ACIS, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
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15
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Alduraibi FK, Singh JA. How to Use Janus Kinase Inhibitors in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis? A Clinical Assessment of Risks and Benefits. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2023; 25:295-306. [PMID: 38102522 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-023-01122-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To provide an updated understanding of risks and benefits of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) versus biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RECENT FINDINGS Shared decision-making is needed in choosing between JAKi and bDMARDs. Cardiovascular disease, malignancy, and thromboembolic events guide this choice. In patients with active RA despite methotrexate use, tumor necrosis factor inhibitor is conditionally favored over JAKi for low-cardiovascular-risk patients and strongly favored in those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Suboptimal treatment of treatment-refractory RA patients may pose a greater absolute cardiovascular risk than with JAKi use. Use of aspirin and statin may be considered to reduce cardiovascular risk. New safety data on JAKi has redefined the treatment approach in RA. JAKi remains an important oral medication option in active RA despite treatment with bDMARDs, especially in those with low cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima K Alduraibi
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jasvinder A Singh
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Musculoskeletal Outcomes Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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16
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Bower H, Frisell T, di Giuseppe D, Delcoigne B, Askling J. Comparative cardiovascular safety with janus kinase inhibitors and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs as used in clinical practice: an observational cohort study from Sweden in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. RMD Open 2023; 9:e003630. [PMID: 37996125 PMCID: PMC10668277 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the incidence of cardiovascular (CV) events in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi), tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), or other biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), in clinical practice, and to contextualise these findings by comparing to the Swedish RA population and general population at large. METHODS Patients with RA initiating JAKi, TNFi and non-TNFi bDMARDs were identified in the Swedish Rheumatology Quality Register between 2016 and 2021. Through linkages to national registers, a cohort of patients with RA, general population comparators, as well as covariates and incident major acute CV event (MACE, including myocardial infarction, stroke and fatal CV events) were identified until 2022. Crude and age-sex standardised rates were calculated and HRs estimated from multivariable Cox regression models using TNFi as reference. RESULTS We identified 13 492 patients with RA initiating a JAKi, non-TNFi bDMARD or TNFi treatment. Among 3037 JAKi-initiators, 59 MACE events were observed. The age-sex standardised rates for MACE were similar in the JAKi (0.88 per 100 person years) and TNFi (0.91) cohorts. Fully adjusted models showed no increased rate of MACE with JAKi (HR=0.71, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.99), or non-TNFi bDMARD (HR=0.98; 95% CI 0.78 to 1.23) in comparison to TNFi. We found no evidence that this HR changed over time since treatment initiation. In a CV-enriched subset, we observed higher rates but similar HRs. CONCLUSIONS As used in present clinical practice in Sweden, we found no evidence that CV risk is higher with JAKis than TNFis in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Bower
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas Frisell
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniela di Giuseppe
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Benedicte Delcoigne
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Askling
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Rheumatology, Theme Inflammation and Ageing, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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17
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Kraev K, Geneva-Popova MG, Hristov BK, Uchikov PA, Belova-Popova SD, Kraeva MI, Basheva-Kraeva YM, Stoyanova NS, Mitkova-Hristova VT, Koleva-Ivanova MS, Taneva DI, Ivanov AS. Examining the Safety Profile of Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors in the Management of Immune-Mediated Diseases: A Comprehensive Review. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2244. [PMID: 38137845 PMCID: PMC10744491 DOI: 10.3390/life13122244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have heralded a paradigm shift in the management of immune-mediated diseases. While their efficacy is well-established, the safety concerns associated with these agents, particularly regarding thromboembolic events (TE), remain a focus of extensive research and clinical scrutiny. This comprehensive literature review embarks on an exploration of the multifaceted landscape of JAK inhibitors, providing insights into their safety profiles across diverse immune-mediated diseases. The introduction highlights the transformative influence of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of immune-mediated diseases. Historically, the therapeutic arsenal for these conditions included corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologics. The advent of JAK inhibitors has revolutionized this landscape, although concerns about their safety persist. This review strives to comprehensively evaluate their safety, amalgamating knowledge from multiple studies and trials. The subsequent sections delve into the safety of specific JAK inhibitors in the context of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and dermatologic conditions and their associations with venous thromboembolism. The evolving understanding of TE risk, particularly the intricate relationship between these agents and immune-mediated diseases, is meticulously unravelled. The concluding remarks underscore the dynamic nature of TE risk assessment with regard to immune-mediated diseases involving JAK inhibitors. It underscores that risk assessment is multifactorial, influenced not only by the choice of JAK inhibitor but also by the nuances of the underlying immune-mediated disease and the unique patient characteristics. This review offers a holistic perspective on TE risks associated with JAK inhibitors and contributes to the ongoing dialogue regarding their safety in the realm of immune-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krasimir Kraev
- Department of Propedeutics of Internal Diseases, Medical Faculty, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | | | - Bozhidar Krasimirov Hristov
- Second Department of Internal Diseases, Medical Faculty, Medical University of Plovdiv, 6000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Petar Angelov Uchikov
- Department of Special Surgery, Medical Faculty, Medical University of Plovdiv, 6000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | | | - Maria Ilieva Kraeva
- Department of Otorhynolaryngology, Medical Faculty, Medical University of Plovdiv, 6000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Yordanka Mincheva Basheva-Kraeva
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, University Eye Clinic, University Hospital, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Nina Staneva Stoyanova
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, University Eye Clinic, University Hospital, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Vesela Todorova Mitkova-Hristova
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, University Eye Clinic, University Hospital, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Stoyanova Koleva-Ivanova
- Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Daniela Ivova Taneva
- Department of Nursing Care, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Atanas Slavchev Ivanov
- Department of Urology and General Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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18
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Yang V, Kragstrup TW, McMaster C, Reid P, Singh N, Haysen SR, Robinson PC, Liew DFL. Managing Cardiovascular and Cancer Risk Associated with JAK Inhibitors. Drug Saf 2023; 46:1049-1071. [PMID: 37490213 PMCID: PMC10632271 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-023-01333-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) have enormous appeal as immune-modulating therapies across many chronic inflammatory diseases, but recently this promise has been overshadowed by questions regarding associated cardiovascular and cancer risk emerging from the ORAL Surveillance phase 3b/4 post-marketing requirement randomized controlled trial. In that study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis with existing cardiovascular risk, tofacitinib, the first JAKi registered for chronic inflammatory disease, failed to meet non-inferiority thresholds when compared with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors for both incident major adverse cardiovascular events and incident cancer. While this result was unexpected by many, subsequently published observational data have also supported this finding. Notably, however, such a risk has largely not yet been demonstrated in patients outside the specific clinical situation examined in the trial, even in the face of many studies examining this. Nevertheless, this signal has practically re-aligned approaches to both tofacitinib and other JAKi to varying extents, in other patient populations and contexts: within rheumatoid arthritis, but also in psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, atopic dermatitis, and beyond. Application to individual patients can be more challenging but remains important to harness the substantive potential of JAKi to the maximum extent safely possible. This review not only explores the evolution of the regulatory response to the signal, its informing data, biological plausibility, and its impact on guidelines, but also the many factors that clinicians must consider in navigating cardiovascular and cancer risk for their patients considering JAKi as immune-modulating therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Yang
- Department of Rheumatology, Level 1, North Wing, Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, Austin Health, 300 Waterdale Road, PO Box 5444, Heidelberg West, VIC, 3081, Australia
| | - Tue W Kragstrup
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Sector for Rheumatology, Diagnostic Center, Silkeborg Regional Hospital, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Christopher McMaster
- Department of Rheumatology, Level 1, North Wing, Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, Austin Health, 300 Waterdale Road, PO Box 5444, Heidelberg West, VIC, 3081, Australia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Digital Transformation of Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Pankti Reid
- Division of Rheumatology and Committee on Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Namrata Singh
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stine R Haysen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Philip C Robinson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - David F L Liew
- Department of Rheumatology, Level 1, North Wing, Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, Austin Health, 300 Waterdale Road, PO Box 5444, Heidelberg West, VIC, 3081, Australia.
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Charles-Schoeman C, Choy E, McInnes IB, Mysler E, Nash P, Yamaoka K, Lippe R, Khan N, Shmagel AK, Palac H, Suboticki J, Curtis JR. MACE and VTE across upadacitinib clinical trial programmes in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. RMD Open 2023; 9:e003392. [PMID: 37945286 PMCID: PMC10649869 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide an integrated analysis of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and events of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and associated risk factors across rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) phase 2b/3 upadacitinib clinical programmes. METHODS Data were analysed and summarised from clinical trials of RA, PsA and AS treated with upadacitinib 15 mg once daily (QD) and 30 mg QD (as of 30 June 2021). Data from adalimumab (RA and PsA) and methotrexate (RA) arms were included as comparators. Adjudicated MACEs and VTE events were presented as exposure-adjusted rates per 100 patient-years (E/100 PY). Univariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses assessed potential associations of risk factors for MACE and VTE. RESULTS In total, 4298 patients received upadacitinib 15 mg (RA n=3209, PsA n=907 and AS n=182) and 2125 patients received upadacitinib 30 mg (RA n=1204 and PsA n=921). In patients with RA and PsA, rates of MACE (0.3-0.6 E/100 PY) and VTE (0.2-0.4 E/100 PY) were similar across upadacitinib doses; in patients with AS, no MACEs and one VTE event occurred. Most patients experiencing MACEs or VTE events had two or more baseline cardiovascular risk factors. Across RA and PsA groups, rates of MACEs and VTE events were similar. CONCLUSIONS Rates of MACEs and VTE events with upadacitinib were consistent with previously reported data for patients receiving conventional synthetic and biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and comparable with active comparators adalimumab and methotrexate. Associated patient characteristics are known risk factors for MACEs and VTE events. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS RA (SELECT-NEXT: NCT02675426; SELECT-MONOTHERAPY: NCT02706951; SELECT-BEYOND: NCT02706847; SELECT-COMPARE: NCT02629159; SELECT-EARLY: NCT02706873, SELECT-CHOICE: NCT03086343), PsA (SELECT-PsA 2: NCT03104374; SELECT-PsA 1: NCT03104400), and AS (SELECT-AXIS 1: NCT03178487).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ernest Choy
- Division of Infection and Immunity, CREATE Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Iain B McInnes
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Eduardo Mysler
- Department of Rheumatology, OMI (Medical Research Organization), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Peter Nash
- Department of Medicine, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kunihiro Yamaoka
- Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ralph Lippe
- AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co KG, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Jeffrey R Curtis
- Department of Rheumatology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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20
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Song YK, Lee G, Hwang J, Kim JW, Kwon JW. Cardiovascular risk of Janus kinase inhibitors compared with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis without underlying cardiovascular diseases: a nationwide cohort study. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1165711. [PMID: 37964868 PMCID: PMC10642260 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1165711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Despite the ethnic differences in cardiovascular (CV) risks and recent increase in the prescription of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, limited evidence is available for their CV outcomes in Asian patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed to compare the major adverse CV events (MACEs) of JAK inhibitors to those of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) in Korean patients with RA without baseline CV disease (CVD). Methods: In a nationwide retrospective cohort study, patients newly diagnosed with RA without a history of CVD between 2013 and 2018 were identified using the National Health Insurance Service database. The cohort was followed up until the end of 2019 for the development of MACEs. Hazard ratios (HRs) for MACEs such as myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization, or all-cause death, were estimated using Cox proportional hazard regression in a propensity score-matched cohort. Results: In total, 4,230 matched patients with RA were included (846 JAK inhibitor users and 3,384 bDMARD users). The crude incidence rate (95% confidence intervals, CI) per 100 patient-years for MACEs was 0.83 (0.31-1.81) and 0.74 (0.53-1.02) in the JAK inhibitor and bDMARD groups, respectively. The risk of MACEs was not significantly different between JAK inhibitor and bDMARD users with an adjusted HR (95% CI) of 1.28 (0.53-3.11). There were no significant differences in the risk of MACEs between JAK inhibitors and bDMARDs in each subgroup according to the types of bDMARDs, age, sex, Charlson comorbidity index score, and comorbidities. Conclusion: Compared to bDMARDs, JAK inhibitors were not associated with the occurrence of MACEs in Korean patients with RA without a history of CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Kyoung Song
- College of Pharmacy, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Gaeun Lee
- Department of Statistics, Daegu University, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinseub Hwang
- Department of Statistics, Daegu University, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Won Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Daegu Catholic University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Won Kwon
- BK21 FOUR Community-Based Intelligent Novel Drug Discovery Education Unit, College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
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21
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Harrington R, Harkins P, Conway R. Janus Kinase Inhibitors in Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Update on the Efficacy and Safety of Tofacitinib, Baricitinib and Upadacitinib. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6690. [PMID: 37892827 PMCID: PMC10607454 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12206690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) are the most recent new drug class to arrive to the market for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. While they have proven to be a very effective treatment option, there remains significant concern regarding the risk of cardiovascular events, thrombosis and malignancy, particularly given the findings of the post-marketing ORAL Surveillance study and FDA black box warnings. This article reviews the key findings of the most impactful cohort of studies and registry data since ORAL Surveillance. It also evaluates the role of JAKis in practice and offers guidance on risk stratifying patients and determining their suitability for a JAKi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Harrington
- Department of Rheumatology, St. James’s Hospital, James Street, Dublin 8, D08 NHY1 Dublin, Ireland;
| | | | - Richard Conway
- Department of Rheumatology, St. James’s Hospital, James Street, Dublin 8, D08 NHY1 Dublin, Ireland;
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22
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Riek M, Scherer A, Möller B, Ciurea A, von Mühlenen I, Gabay C, Kyburz D, Brulhart L, von Kempis J, Mueller RB, Hasler P, Strahm T, von Känel S, Zufferey P, Dudler J, Finckh A. Serious infection risk of tofacitinib compared to biologics in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated in routine clinical care. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17776. [PMID: 37853058 PMCID: PMC10584888 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44841-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, serious infections related to the use of tofacitinib (TOF) for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have raised considerable interest. This study aimed to compare the risk for serious infections in patients with RA upon receiving TOF versus biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) by age at treatment initiation. We identified adult RA patients exposed to TOF or bDMARDs using data collected by the Swiss registry for inflammatory rheumatic diseases (SCQM) from 2015 to 2018. The event of interest was the first non-fatal serious infection (SI) during drug exposure. Missing or incomplete SI dates were imputed as either the lower (left) or upper (right) limit of the known occurrence interval. The ratio of SI hazards (HR) of TOF versus bDMARDs was estimated as a function of age using covariate-adjusted Cox regression applied to each type of imputed time-to-SI. A total of 1687 patients provided time at risk for a first SI during study participation and drug exposure for 2238 different treatment courses, 345 for TOF and 1893 for bDMARDs. We identified 44 (left imputation) or 43 (right imputation), respectively, first SIs (12/12 on TOF versus 32/31 on bDMARDs). Left and right imputation produced similar results. For patients aged ≥ 69 years, the treatment HR started to be increased (lower limit of 95% confidence intervals (LLCIs) > 1). By the age of 76, the difference between TOF and bDMARDs started to be clinically relevant (LLCIs > 1.25). For patients aged < 65 years, the data were insufficient to draw conclusions. Our results suggest that we should expect an increased risk for SIs in older patients treated with TOF compared to bDMARDs supporting a cautious use of TOF in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Riek
- SCQM Foundation, Aargauerstrasse 250, 8048, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Almut Scherer
- SCQM Foundation, Aargauerstrasse 250, 8048, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Adrian Ciurea
- University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Cem Gabay
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology Division, University Hospitals Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Diego Kyburz
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Laure Brulhart
- Rheumatology, Réseau Hospitalier Neuchâtelois, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
| | - Johannes von Kempis
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | | | - Paul Hasler
- University Medical Department, Division of Rheumatology, University of Basel Medical Faculty, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Strahm
- SCQM Foundation, Aargauerstrasse 250, 8048, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Pascal Zufferey
- Centres Hospitaliers Universitaires Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean Dudler
- Rhumatologie, HFR Fribourg, Hopital Cantonal, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Axel Finckh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology Division, University Hospitals Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Yoshida S, Miyata M, Suzuki E, Kanno T, Sumichika Y, Saito K, Matsumoto H, Temmoku J, Fujita Y, Matsuoka N, Asano T, Sato S, Migita K. Safety of JAK and IL-6 inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a multicenter cohort study. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1267749. [PMID: 37868999 PMCID: PMC10586060 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1267749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The ORAL Surveillance trial showed a potentially higher incidence of malignancy and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) associated with tofacitinib than those associated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors (TNFis). However, few studies have compared the safety of non-TNFis or other Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors (JAKis). This study was aimed at comparing the incidence rates (IRs) of malignancies and MACEs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated using interleukin-6 (IL-6) inhibitors (IL-6is) or JAKis. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 427 patients with RA who were treated using an IL-6i (n = 273) or a JAKi (n = 154). We determined the IRs of malignancy and MACEs, and the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of malignancies and investigated factors related to malignancy and MACEs. After adjusting the clinical characteristic imbalance by propensity score matching (PSM), we compared the IRs of adverse events between the JAKi and IL-6i groups. Results After PSM, the observational period was determined to be 605.27 patient-years (PY), and the median observational period was determined to be 2.28 years. We identified seven cases of malignancy (IR: 2.94 per 100 PY) in the JAKi-treated group and five cases (IR: 1.36 per 100 PY) in the IL-6i-treated group after PSM. The IR of MACEs was 2.56 and 0.83 (per 100 PY) in the JAKi- and IL-6i-treated groups. The IRRs of JAKi-treated patients versus IL-6i-treated patients were 2.13 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67-7.42) for malignancy and 3.03 (95% CI: 0.77-15.21) for MACE. There were no significant differences in IRR for malignancy and MACE between both groups after PSM. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression analyses revealed that older age and JAKi use were independent risk factors for malignancy, while older age, hypertension, and JAKi use were independent risk factors for MACEs. The overall malignancy SIR was significantly higher in the JAKi-treated group compared to the general population (2.10/100 PY, 95% CI: 1.23-2.97). Conclusion The IRs of malignancy and MACE in patients with RA after PSM were comparable between IL-6i-treated and JAKi-treated patients. However, the SIR of malignancy in JAKi treatment was significantly higher than in the general population; therefore, further safety studies comparing JAKi to non-TNFi biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhei Yoshida
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masayuki Miyata
- Department of Rheumatology, Japanese Red Cross Fukushima Hospital, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Eiji Suzuki
- Department of Rheumatology, Ohta Nishinouchi General Hospital Foundation, Koriyama, Japan
| | - Takashi Kanno
- Department of Rheumatology, Ohta Nishinouchi General Hospital Foundation, Koriyama, Japan
| | - Yuya Sumichika
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kenji Saito
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Haruki Matsumoto
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Jumpei Temmoku
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yuya Fujita
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Naoki Matsuoka
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Asano
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Shuzo Sato
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Migita
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
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24
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Burmester GR, Coates LC, Cohen SB, Tanaka Y, Vranic I, Nagy E, Lazariciu I, Chen AS, Kwok K, Fallon L, Kinch C. Post-Marketing Safety Surveillance of Tofacitinib over 9 Years in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheumatol Ther 2023; 10:1255-1276. [PMID: 37458964 PMCID: PMC10469130 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-023-00576-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The safety of tofacitinib in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been demonstrated in clinical studies of ≤ 4 and 9.5 years, respectively. Post-marketing surveillance (PMS) data for tofacitinib from spontaneous and voluntary adverse event (AE) reports have been published for RA, but not PsA. To inform the real-world safety profile of tofacitinib in PsA, we evaluated AE reports submitted to the Pfizer safety database (including RA data for context). METHODS Endpoints included AEs, serious AEs (SAEs), AEs of special interest (AESIs; serious infections, herpes zoster, cardiovascular events, malignancies, venous thromboembolism), and fatal cases. Exposure was estimated using IQVIA global commercial sales data. Number, frequency, and reporting rates (RRs; number of events/100 patient-years' [PY] exposure) were summarized by indication and formulation (immediate release [IR] 5 or 10 mg twice daily], modified release [MR] 11 mg once daily, or all tofacitinib). The data-collection period differed by indication (PsA: 14 December 2017 [US approval, IR/MR] to 6 November 2021; RA: 6 November 2012 [US approval, IR] to 6 November 2021; MR approval, 24 February 2016). RESULTS A total of 73,525 case reports were reviewed (PsA = 5394/RA = 68,131), with 20,706/439,370 PY (PsA/RA) of exposure. More AEs were reported for IR versus MR (IR/MR: PsA = 8349/7602; RA = 137,476/82,153). RRs for AEs (IR/MR: PsA = 59.6/113.4; RA = 44.0/64.8) and SAEs (PsA = 8.1/13.6; RA = 8.0/9.5) were higher with MR versus IR. AE RRs (RA) in the first 4 years after IR approval were 95.9 (IR; 49,439 PY) and 147.0 (MR; 2000 PY). Frequency of SAEs, AESIs, and fatal cases was mostly similar across formulations and indications. The most frequently-reported AE Preferred Terms (PsA/RA) included drug ineffective (20.0%/17.8%), pain (9.7%/10.6%), condition aggravated (9.9%/10.5%), headache (8.8%/7.9%) and, for PsA, off-label use (10.5%/3.4%). CONCLUSIONS Tofacitinib PMS safety data from submitted AE reports were consistent between PsA and RA, and aligned with its known safety profile. Exposure data (lower MR versus IR; estimation from commercial sales data), reporting bias, reporter identity, and regional differences in formulation use limit interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerd R Burmester
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura C Coates
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Botnar Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Stanley B Cohen
- Metroplex Clinical Research Center and Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yoshiya Tanaka
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lara Fallon
- Inflammation and Immunology, Pfizer Canada ULC, 17300 Trans-Canada Hwy, Kirkland, QC, H9J 2M5, Canada
| | - Cassandra Kinch
- Inflammation and Immunology, Pfizer Canada ULC, 17300 Trans-Canada Hwy, Kirkland, QC, H9J 2M5, Canada.
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Meissner Y, Schäfer M, Albrecht K, Kekow J, Zinke S, Tony HP, Strangfeld A. Risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with conventional synthetic, biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: observational data from the German RABBIT register. RMD Open 2023; 9:e003489. [PMID: 37880180 PMCID: PMC10603345 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the effects of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi), tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), other biologic(b) or conventional synthetic(cs) disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) on the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS Cohort study analysing episodes of DMARD-treatment initiated between January 2017 and April 2022 in the biologics register Rheumatoid Arthritis: Observation of Biologic Therapy. Incidence rates (IRs) per 100 patient-years with 95% CIs were calculated for overall patients and those with cardiovascular risk (age ≥50 years and ≥1 cardiovascular risk factor). MACE risk was estimated as HRs by inverse probability of treatment weight-adjusted Andersen-Gill models. RESULTS A total of 154 MACE occurred among 14 203 treatment episodes (21 218 patient-years). IRs were 0.68 (0.47; 0.95), 0.62 (0.45; 0.83), 0.76 (0.53; 1.06) and 0.95 (0.68; 1.29) for JAKi, TNFi, bDMARDs and csDMARDs, respectively. IRs were higher in cardiovascular risk patients. Adjusted HRs (95% CI) comparing JAKi, bDMARDs and csDMARDs with TNFi were 0.89 (0.52 to 1.52), 0.76 (0.45; to1.27) and 1.36 (0.85 to 2.19) in overall, and 0.74 (0.41 to 1.31), 0.75 (0.45 to 1.27) and 1.21 (0.74 to 1.98) in cardiovascular risk patients. HRs were not increased in patients ≥65 years, with cardiovascular history or smokers, and also not when using csDMARD as reference instead of TNFi. IRs for baricitinib, tofacitinib and upadacitinib were 0.49 (0.25 to 0.85), 0.98 (0.58 to 1.55) and 0.53 (0.15 to 1.36), respectively. CONCLUSION In this German observational cohort study, MACE did not occur more frequently with JAKi compared with other DMARDs. However, individual JAKis showed different unadjusted IRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvette Meissner
- Epidemiology and Health Services Research, German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Schäfer
- Epidemiology and Health Services Research, German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katinka Albrecht
- Epidemiology and Health Services Research, German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joern Kekow
- Clinic of Rheumatology & Orthopaedics, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Vogelsang-Gommern, Germany
| | | | - Hans-Peter Tony
- Department of Internal Medicine 2, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Anja Strangfeld
- Epidemiology and Health Services Research, German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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26
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Yamaoka K, Oku K. JAK inhibitors in rheumatology. Immunol Med 2023; 46:143-152. [PMID: 36744577 DOI: 10.1080/25785826.2023.2172808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) are a group of drugs with a different mechanism of action from biologics and are most rapidly uptaken in the rheumatology field. JAK is a protein kinase activated in the cytoplasm by multiple cytokines and hormones involved in inflammatory pathology. The expression of JAK has been observed in various diseases, indicating the utility of JAK inhibitors in a wide variety of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Clinical trials are underway for a number of different rheumatic diseases based on the therapeutic efficacy of JAKis, which is comparable to that of biologics. This article will review the current status of JAKis for rheumatic diseases in terms of efficacy and safety and extend to future clinical applications for rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunihiro Yamaoka
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kenji Oku
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
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Favalli EG, Cincinelli G, Germinario S, Di Taranto R, Orsini F, Maioli G, Biggioggero M, Ferrito M, Caporali R. The impact of EMA recommendations on the real-life use of Janus kinases inhibitors for rheumatoid arthritis: the Expanded Risk Score in RA as a tool to quantify the risk of cardiovascular events. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1225160. [PMID: 37720218 PMCID: PMC10500057 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1225160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) the impact of EMA recommendations on the real-life prescription of JAK inhibitors (JAKis) and the use of the Expanded Risk Score in RA (ERS-RA) to quantify the risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of real-life RA patients treated with JAKis. Patients were classified as ineligible for JAKis if they fulfilled EMA criteria (>65 years-old, history of malignancy, or increased risk of venous thromboembolic events [VTE] or MACE including smoking). Risk of MACE was defined according to ORAL Surveillance trial inclusion criteria (ORALSURV) or by using the ERS-RA. Results Of 194 patients enrolled, 57.9% were classified as ineligible according to EMA definition (ORALSURV criteria). The most frequent reason for ineligibility was increased MACE risk (70.2%), followed by age>65 (34.2%), smoking (30.7%), and increased risk of VTE (20.2%) or malignancy (7%). The use of the ERS-RA reduced the rate of patients carrying an increased CV risk to 18.6% (p<0.001 versus ORALSURV), leading to 46.4% overall ineligible patients. Over a drug-exposure of 337 patient/years, we observed 2 VTE, one MACE (non-fatal stroke), and one solid malignancy (all in the group of patients classified as ineligible according to both the definitions). Conclusions Rigorous application of EMA indications in clinical practice could result in the exclusion of a large proportion of RA patients from treatment with JAKis. A proper quantification of the risk for MACE by dedicated tools as ERS-RA is advocated to better tailor the management of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ennio Giulio Favalli
- Department of Rheumatology and Medical Sciences, ASST Gaetano Pini-CTO, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gilberto Cincinelli
- Department of Rheumatology and Medical Sciences, ASST Gaetano Pini-CTO, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sabino Germinario
- Department of Rheumatology and Medical Sciences, ASST Gaetano Pini-CTO, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaele Di Taranto
- Department of Rheumatology and Medical Sciences, ASST Gaetano Pini-CTO, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Orsini
- Department of Rheumatology and Medical Sciences, ASST Gaetano Pini-CTO, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Maioli
- Department of Rheumatology and Medical Sciences, ASST Gaetano Pini-CTO, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Biggioggero
- Department of Rheumatology and Medical Sciences, ASST Gaetano Pini-CTO, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Ferrito
- Department of Rheumatology and Medical Sciences, ASST Gaetano Pini-CTO, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Caporali
- Department of Rheumatology and Medical Sciences, ASST Gaetano Pini-CTO, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Russell MD, Stovin C, Alveyn E, Adeyemi O, Chan CKD, Patel V, Adas MA, Atzeni F, Ng KKH, Rutherford AI, Norton S, Cope AP, Galloway JB. JAK inhibitors and the risk of malignancy: a meta-analysis across disease indications. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:1059-1067. [PMID: 37247942 PMCID: PMC10359573 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the association of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) with the incidence of malignancy, compared with placebo, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors (TNFi) and methotrexate. METHODS Systematic searches of databases were performed, to December 2022, to identify phase II/III/IV randomised clinical trials (RCTs) and long-term extension (LTE) studies of JAKi (tofacitinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib, filgotinib, peficitinib) compared with placebo, TNFi or methotrexate, in adults with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, axial spondyloarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease or atopic dermatitis. Network and pairwise meta-analyses were performed to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for malignancy between JAKi and comparators. Bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias-2 tool. RESULTS In 62 eligible RCTs and 16 LTE studies, there were 82 366 person-years of exposure to JAKi, 2924 to placebo, 7909 to TNFi and 1074 to methotrexate. The overall malignancy incidence rate was 1.15 per 100 person-years in RCTs, and 1.26 per 100 person-years across combined RCT and LTE data. In network meta-analyses, the incidence of all malignancies including non-melanomatous skin cancers (NMSCs) was not significantly different between JAKi and placebo (IRR 0.71; 95% CI 0.44 to 1.15) or between JAKi and methotrexate (IRR 0.77; 95% CI 0.35 to 1.68). Compared with TNFi, however, JAKi were associated with an increased incidence of malignancy (IRR 1.50; 95% CI 1.16 to 1.94). Findings were consistent when analysing NMSC only and when analysing combined RCT/LTE data. CONCLUSIONS JAKi were associated with a higher incidence of malignancy compared with TNFi but not placebo or methotrexate. Cancers were rare events in all comparisons. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022362630.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Russell
- Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Edward Alveyn
- Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Olukemi Adeyemi
- Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Vishit Patel
- Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Maryam A Adas
- Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Fabiola Atzeni
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Kenrick K H Ng
- Department of Medical Oncology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Sam Norton
- Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew P Cope
- Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, King's College London, London, UK
| | - James B Galloway
- Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, King's College London, London, UK
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Choi SR, Shin A, Ha YJ, Lee YJ, Lee EB, Kang EH. Comparative risk of infections between JAK inhibitors versus TNF inhibitors among patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a cohort study. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:129. [PMID: 37495973 PMCID: PMC10369724 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03111-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To compare infectious risk between JAK inhibitors (JAKis) versus TNF inhibitors (TNFis) among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in Korea. METHODS Using 2009-2019 Korea National Health Insurance Service database, we conducted a cohort study on RA patients initiating a JAKi or TNFi. The primary outcomes were herpes zoster (HZ), serious bacterial (SBI), and opportunistic infections (OI). Propensity-score fine-stratification (PSS) and weighting were applied to adjust for > 70 baseline covariates. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models comparing JAKi versus TNFi users. RESULTS We included 2963 JAKi initiators PSS-weighted on 5169 TNFi initiators. During a follow-up of 1.16 years, the most frequent type of infections was HZ with incidence rate (IR) per 100 person-years of 11.54 and 4.88 in JAKi and TNFi users, respectively. The IR of SBI was 1.39 and 1.32, respectively. The OI was rare with a majority being tuberculosis and showed an IR of 0.11 and 0.49 in JAKi and TNFi users, respectively. The PSS-weighted HR (95% CI) for individual types of infections was 2.37 (2.00-2.80) for HZ, 1.04 (0.71-1.52) for SBI, and 0.25 (0.09-0.73) for OI. CONCLUSIONS This population-based cohort study on RA patients treated with JAKi or TNFi in Korea showed an exceptionally high IR of HZ in both treatment groups compared to that from Western countries, with an approximately doubled risk associated with JAKi versus TNFi use. The risk of SBI was comparable, but the risk of OI, particularly tuberculosis, was less among JAKi than TNFi initiators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Rim Choi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 166 Gumiro Bundang-gu Kyeongki-do, Seongnam-si, South Korea
| | - Anna Shin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 166 Gumiro Bundang-gu Kyeongki-do, Seongnam-si, South Korea
| | - You-Jung Ha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 166 Gumiro Bundang-gu Kyeongki-do, Seongnam-si, South Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yun Jong Lee
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 166 Gumiro Bundang-gu Kyeongki-do, Seongnam-si, South Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun Bong Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun Ha Kang
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 166 Gumiro Bundang-gu Kyeongki-do, Seongnam-si, South Korea.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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Taylor PC, Laedermann C, Alten R, Feist E, Choy E, Haladyj E, De La Torre I, Richette P, Finckh A, Tanaka Y. A JAK Inhibitor for Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Baricitinib Experience. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4527. [PMID: 37445562 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Baricitinib, an oral selective Janus kinase (JAK)1/JAK2 inhibitor, is approved as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate for treating adults with moderate-to-severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and provides improvements in clinical signs, symptoms and patient-reported outcomes. Currently, baricitinib is approved for treating RA in more than 75 countries. In several pivotal Phase II and III RA trials (RA-BALANCE, RA-BEGIN, RA-BEAM, RA-BUILD, RA-BEACON, RA-BEYOND), up to seven years of baricitinib treatment was well tolerated and provided rapid and sustained efficacy, which was confirmed in real-world settings. Safety signals for another JAK inhibitor, tofacitinib, have emerged, as observed in the post-marketing Phase IIIb/IV trial Oral Rheumatoid Arthritis Trial (ORAL) Surveillance; safety signals were subsequently highlighted in a retrospective study of baricitinib and consequently new recommendations and warnings and precautions for all JAK inhibitors have been issued. Ongoing studies to further characterise and clarify the benefit:risk of JAK inhibitors include registries and controlled trials. This capstone review summarises clinical and real-world data outlining the benefit:risk profile of baricitinib, confirming that the improved disease activity and physical function of patients with RA treated with this JAK inhibitor observed in clinical trials is translated into effectiveness in clinical practice, with a low rate of discontinuations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter C Taylor
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK
| | | | - Rieke Alten
- Internal Medicine II, Rheumatology, SCHLOSSPARK-KLINIK, University Medicine Berlin, 14059 Berlin, Germany
| | - Eugen Feist
- Department of Rheumatology, Helios Clinic Vogelsang-Gommern, Cooperation Partner of the Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39245 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ernest Choy
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4YS, UK
| | - Ewa Haladyj
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
| | | | - Pascal Richette
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital Lariboisière, 75010 Paris, France
- Inserm, UMR-S 1132, Bioscar, Université de Paris, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Axel Finckh
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yoshiya Tanaka
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu 807-0804, Japan
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Sonomoto K, Tanaka Y. Malignancies and rheumatoid arthritis, csDMARDs, biological DMARDs, and JAK inhibitors: challenge and outlook. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2023; 19:1325-1342. [PMID: 37578325 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2247158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder necessitating immunosuppressive therapy. Remarkable progress has been made in the treatment of RA over recent decades, particularly with the development of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi). Nonetheless, the development of new drugs has been accompanied by concerns regarding the association between these novel therapies and the risk of malignancy. AREAS COVERED This narrative review aims to discuss the understanding of RA, conventional synthetic (cs) DMARDs, bDMARDs, JAKi, and their association with malignancy. Furthermore, the review discusses the management of malignancy in patients receiving b/tsDMARDs. EXPERT OPINION Although recent studies suggest that the potential risk of malignancy of methotrexate and a JAKi tofacitinib, it is essential to avoid indiscriminate withholding of treatment by those agents, as this may lead functional impairment and increased mortality. Therefore, the adoption of a Treat-to-Target (T2T) approach considering individual patient characteristics, becomes of utmost importance. Rheumatologists should maintain a vigilant stance regarding malignancy in this context, recognizing the importance of early detection and management. Implementing a screening program for malignancies is indispensable, and the use of computed tomography screening may enhance the effectiveness of management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koshiro Sonomoto
- Department of Clinical Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health Japan, Fukuoka, Japan
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health Japan, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Tanaka
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health Japan, Fukuoka, Japan
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Mortezavi M, Mysler EF. Clinical scenarios-based guide for tofacitinib in rheumatoid arthritis. Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2023; 14:20406223231178273. [PMID: 37360417 PMCID: PMC10286162 DOI: 10.1177/20406223231178273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Tofacitinib was the first Janus kinase inhibitor to be approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and there is a large body of data to inform the efficacy and safety of this drug for patients at different places in their treatment journeys and with diverse demographics and characteristics. Here, we summarize tofacitinib clinical efficacy and safety data from some clinical trials, post hoc analyses, and real-world studies, which provide evidence of the efficacy of tofacitinib in treating patients with RA at various stages of their treatment journeys, and with differentiating baseline characteristics, such as age, gender, race, and body mass index. In addition, we review the safety data available from different patient subpopulations in the tofacitinib clinical development program, real-world data, and findings from the ORAL Surveillance post-marketing safety study that included patients aged ⩾50 years with pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors. The available efficacy and safety data in these subpopulations can enable better discussions between clinicians and patients to guide informed decision-making and individualized patient care.
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Song YJ, Cho SK, Kim H, Kim HW, Nam E, Jeon JY, Yoo HJ, Choi CB, Kim TH, Jun JB, Bae SC, Yoo DH, Sung YK. Increased risk of herpes zoster with tofacitinib treatment in Korean patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a single-center prospective study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7877. [PMID: 37188765 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33718-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to determine the risk of herpes zoster (HZ) in Korean rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients on tofacitinib compared with tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) treatment. From the prospective cohorts of RA patients who started tofacitinib or TNFi in an academic referral hospital in Korea, patients who started tofacitinib between March 2017 and May 2021 and those who started TNFi between July 2011 and May 2021 were included. Baseline characteristics of tofacitinib and TNFi users were balanced through inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) using the propensity score including age, disease activity of RA and medication use. The incidence rate of HZ in each group and incidence rate ratio (IRR) were calculated. A total of 912 patients were included: 200 tofacitinib and 712 TNFi users. There were 20 cases of HZ among tofacitinib users and 36 among TNFi users during observation period of 331.4 person-years (PYs) and 1950.7 PYs, respectively. In IPTW analysis with a balanced sample, IRR of HZ was 8.33 (95% confidence interval 3.05-22.76). Tofacitinib use increased the risk of HZ compared with TNFi in Korean patients with RA, but the rate of serious HZ or permanent discontinuation of tofacitinib due to HZ event was low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeo-Jin Song
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, 222-1 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
- Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology Research, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Kyung Cho
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, 222-1 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
- Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology Research, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoungyoung Kim
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, 222-1 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
- Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology Research, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Won Kim
- Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology Research, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunwoo Nam
- Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology Research, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ja-Young Jeon
- Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Korea Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jeong Yoo
- Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Korea Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan-Bum Choi
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, 222-1 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
- Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology Research, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Hwan Kim
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, 222-1 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
- Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology Research, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Bum Jun
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, 222-1 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
- Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology Research, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Cheol Bae
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, 222-1 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
- Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology Research, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Hyun Yoo
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, 222-1 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
- Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology Research, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon-Kyoung Sung
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, 222-1 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.
- Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology Research, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Goetsch A, D'Amico F, Allocca M, Fiorino G, Furfaro F, Zilli A, Parigi TL, Radice S, Peyrin-Biroulet L, Danese S. Advances in pharmacotherapy for ulcerative colitis: a focus on JAK1 inhibitors. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:849-861. [PMID: 37038911 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2200931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are an emerging class of small-molecule drugs, providing targeted therapy for a variety of diseases, and have made their way into the treatment of armamentarium of ulcerative colitis (UC) in recent years. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on the pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of selective JAK1 inhibitors in the treatment of moderate-to-severe UC. The PubMed database and clinicaltrials.gov were consulted using keywords - further expanded in the methods section. The search was focused on full-text publications in English. No publication date restrictions were imposed. EXPERT OPINION JAK1 inhibitors are small-molecule drugs used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and other immune mediated inflammatory diseases. They are orally bioavailable and have a rapid mechanism of action and no immunogenicity. JAK inhibitors can be used for the management of both naïve patients and biological-experienced patients.Particular attention should be paid to elderly patients or those with cardiovascular or oncological risk factors, in whom JAK inhibitors should be recommended only if no alternatives are available. In addition, JAK inhibitors have the potential to be combined with other biological drugs or small molecules for the management of difficult-to-treat cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Goetsch
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Ferdinando D'Amico
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariangela Allocca
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Gionata Fiorino
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Furfaro
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Zilli
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Tommaso Lorenzo Parigi
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Radice
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Lorraine, CHRU-Nancy, Nancy, France
- Inserm, NGERE, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Silvio Danese
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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Bezzio C, Vernero M, Ribaldone DG, Alimenti E, Manes G, Saibeni S. Cancer Risk in Patients Treated with the JAK Inhibitor Tofacitinib: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082197. [PMID: 37190126 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Tofacitinib is approved for several immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, but safety concerns have recently been raised. We searched PubMed (accessed on 27 February 2023) for original articles regarding tofacitinib's cancer risk when used for rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Of the 2047 initial records, 22 articles describing 26 controlled studies (including 22 randomized controlled trials) were selected. In the comparison between tofacitinib and any control treatment, the relative risk (RR) for any cancer was 1.06 (95% CI, 0.86-1.31; p = 0.95). In separate comparisons between tofacitinib and either a placebo or biological therapy, no difference was found in the overall cancer risk (vs. placebo, RR = 1.04; 95% CI, 0.44-2.48; p = 0.95; vs. biological drugs, RR = 1.06; 95% CI, 0.86-1.31; p = 0.58). When tofacitinib was compared to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, the overall cancer RR was 1.40 (95% CI, 1.06-2.08; p = 0.02). Similarly, significant results were obtained for all cancers, except for non-melanoma skin cancer (RR = 1.47; 95% CI, 1.05-2.06; p = 0.03), and for this skin cancer alone (RR = 1.30; 95% CI, 0.22-5.83; p = 0.88). In conclusion, no difference in the overall cancer risk was found between tofacitinib and either a placebo or biological drugs, while a slightly higher risk was found in patients treated with tofacitinib than anti-TNF agents. Further studies are needed to better define the cancer risk of tofacitinib therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Bezzio
- IBD Center, Gastroenterology Unit, Rho Hospital, ASST Rhodense, 20017 Rho, Italy
| | - Marta Vernero
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Alimenti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Gianpiero Manes
- IBD Center, Gastroenterology Unit, Rho Hospital, ASST Rhodense, 20017 Rho, Italy
| | - Simone Saibeni
- IBD Center, Gastroenterology Unit, Rho Hospital, ASST Rhodense, 20017 Rho, Italy
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Kubo S, Miyazaki Y, Amano K, Matsui K, Kameda H, Inoue Y, Nakayamada S, Ogura T, Kaneko Y, Yamaoka K, Tanaka Y. Sustained remission following the discontinuation of tofacitinib in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (XANADU study): an open-label randomised study. RMD Open 2023; 9:rmdopen-2023-003029. [PMID: 37185309 PMCID: PMC10152036 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate sustained remission following the discontinuation of tofacitinib in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS Patients who had an inadequate response to methotrexate (MTX) with or without biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs were randomly divided into two groups at baseline, and tofacitinib treatment in combination with MTX was administered to both groups. Either MTX or tofacitinib was then withdrawn if patients achieved Clinical Disease Activity Index remission at week 52. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who sustained clinical remission at week 104. RESULTS A total of 113 patients participated in this study. Among them, a total of 48 patients achieved remission at week 52. After discontinuation of tofacitinib, only 29.2% (7/24) of patients remained remission, while 50.0% (10/20) of patients, which was numerically higher but not statistically significant, sustained remission after MTX discontinuation. A greater proportion of bio-naïve patients achieved remission at week 52 and sustained low disease activity with tofacitinib discontinuation at week 104. Additionally, the patients who were able to discontinue tofacitinib without flares had lower rheumatoid factor (p=0.04) and lower anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (p=0.051) before discontinuation of tofacitinib. No severe adverse events were recorded after discontinuation of tofacitinib or MTX. In patients who relapsed after tofacitinib discontinuation, 71.4% achieved remission with resumption of tofacitinib. CONCLUSIONS This study implies that a blanket cessation of tofacitinib may not be suitable for all patients, given that 58% of the participants experienced relapse. However, the withdrawal of tofacitinib is unlikely to result in the acquisition of treatment-resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Kubo
- Department of Molecular Targeted Therapies, University of Occupational and Environmental Health Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Yusuke Miyazaki
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Koichi Amano
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Saitama Medical Centre, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Matsui
- Division of Allergology and Rheumatology, Department of Diabetes Endocrinology and Clinical Immunology, Hyogo Medical University, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Hideto Kameda
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Toho University Ohashi Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshino Inoue
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Shingo Nakayamada
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Takehisa Ogura
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Toho University Ohashi Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Kaneko
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Yamaoka
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Tanaka
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
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Evangelatos G, Fragoulis GE. JAK inhibitors, cardiovascular and thromboembolic events: what we know and what we would like to know. Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:959-962. [PMID: 36512165 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06471-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
JAK inhibitors (JAKinibs) have been approved for several immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), and non-radiographic axSpA. Although they have been proved to be very effective, some safety concerns have emerged. These mainly pertain to their profile regarding major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) as well as to thromboembolic events (VTEs). In fact, there are accumulating data showing that the concerns might be greater for the latter. Herein, we provide a critical analysis of the so far published major studies, discussing also some thoughts (e.g., different VTE risk across IMIDs) that could be taken into account in the interpretation of these results. In addition, we highlight the need for assessment of patients' profile for cardiovascular as well as for thromboembolic risk factors. Incorporation of the respective tools (that need further validation) should be considered in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerasimos Evangelatos
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, First Department of Propedeutic and Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75 Str, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - George E Fragoulis
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, First Department of Propedeutic and Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75 Str, 11527, Athens, Greece.
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Gialouri CG, Moustafa S, Thomas K, Hadziyannis E, Vassilopoulos D. Herpes zoster in patients with inflammatory arthritides or ulcerative colitis treated with tofacitinib, baricitinib or upadacitinib: a systematic review of clinical trials and real-world studies. Rheumatol Int 2023; 43:421-435. [PMID: 36635577 PMCID: PMC9968274 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-022-05270-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
JAK inhibitors (JAKi) are new targeted-synthetic drugs, approved for various immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), including inflammatory arthritides (rheumatoid arthritis-RA, psoriatic arthritis-PsA, ankylosing spondylitis-AS) and ulcerative colitis (UC). JAKi have been associated with increased risk for herpes zoster (HZ), but the relative risk among different JAKi in these IMIDs remains unclear. We aimed to systematically review the incidence of HZ among RA, PsA, AS and UC patients treated with the approved doses of tofacitinib (TOFA), baricitinib (BARI) or upadacitinib (UPA). PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane and Web-of-Science were searched up to 30 March 2022. Clinical trials and real-world studies (RWS) were included. Outcomes assessed were the incidence rate (/100 patient-years) or/and cumulative incidence of HZ. From 1710 records, 53 clinical trials and 25 RWS were included (RA: 54, PsA: 8, AS: 4, and UC: 12). In clinical trials, the HZ-incidence was higher in TOFA-treated patients with RA (2.2-7.1/100 patient-years) or UC (1.3-7.6/100 patient-years) compared to PsA (1.7/100 patient-years), and with higher doses of TOFA in UC (10 mg/twice daily: 3.2-7.6/100 patient-years vs. 5 mg/twice daily: 1.3-2.3/100 patient-years). Evidence for HZ-risk in JAKi-treated patients with AS and in UPA-treated patients was limited. The HZ-incidence between TOFA and BARI groups in 2 RA RWS did not differ significantly. Concomitant glucocorticoid, but not methotrexate, use in RA increased the HZ-risk. This systematic review showed higher HZ-risk in RA or UC than PsA patients treated with TOFA, in those treated with higher TOFA doses or with concomitant glucocorticoids. Preventive measures and monitoring of JAKi-treated patients with IMIDs are essential in daily practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysoula G Gialouri
- Joint Rheumatology Program, Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, General Hospital of Athens "Hippokration", Athens, Greece
| | - Savvina Moustafa
- Joint Rheumatology Program, Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, General Hospital of Athens "Hippokration", Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Thomas
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Attikon University General Hospital, Chaidari, Greece
| | - Emilia Hadziyannis
- Joint Rheumatology Program, Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, General Hospital of Athens "Hippokration", Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vassilopoulos
- Joint Rheumatology Program, Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, General Hospital of Athens "Hippokration", Athens, Greece.
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Krüger K. [DMARD (disease-modifying antirheumatic drug) treatment in patients with former or current cancer]. Z Rheumatol 2023; 82:206-211. [PMID: 36757415 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-023-01316-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
In contrast to the original fear that treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and especially with biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs), was associated with an increased risk of the induction of malignancies, this has meanwhile fortunately not been confirmed over the long-term administration. Evaluations from register-based investigations as well as from other long-term cohort studies confirm that neither conventional DMARDs, such as methotrexate, nor tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors or biologics with a different mode of action show such a risk for induction of cancer or hematological malignancies (for skin tumors see the other article). Regarding the question whether recurrences of former malignancies can be induced by DMARDs, the database is considerably smaller; however, published investigations dealing with this topic so far signal that also in this respect no increased risk can be found. When comparing the individual substances with each other no substantial differences can be found. Although used in the treatment of hematological cancers, rituximab does not offer any advantages in comparison to other biologics. For the group of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which have been in use only for a few years, data outside the randomized controlled studies (which are limited in time and are conducted with a selected patient population) are limited so that a clear statement regarding the malignancy risk is not yet possible for these substances. In a solitary study comparing tofacitinib with TNF inhibitors in high-risk patients, the malignancy risk of the JAK inhibitor was increased compared to that under TNF inhibitor treatment; however, these results have not yet been confirmed by a second investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Krüger
- Rheumatologisches Praxiszentrum, St. Bonifatius Str. 5, 81541, München, Deutschland.
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Haraoui B, Khraishi M, Choquette D, Lisnevskaia L, Teo M, Kinch C, Galos C, Roy P, Gruben D, Woolcott JC, Vaillancourt J, Sampalis JS, Keystone EC. Effectiveness and Safety of Tofacitinib in Canadian Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Primary Results From a Prospective Observational Study. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2023; 75:240-251. [PMID: 35678771 PMCID: PMC10091934 DOI: 10.1002/acr.24966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Canadian Tofacitinib for Rheumatoid Arthritis Observational (CANTORAL) is the first Canadian prospective, observational study assessing tofacitinib. The objective was to assess effectiveness and safety for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Coprimary and secondary outcomes are reported from an interim analysis. METHODS Patients initiating tofacitinib from October 2017 to July 2020 were enrolled from 45 Canadian sites. Coprimary outcomes (month 6) included the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI)-defined low disease activity (LDA) and remission. Secondary outcomes (to month 18) included the CDAI and the 4-variable Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)/C-reactive protein (CRP) level to define LDA and remission; the proportions of patients achieving mild pain (visual analog scale <20 mm), and moderate (≥30%) and substantial (≥50%) pain improvements; and the proportions of patients achieving a Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index (HAQ DI) score greater or equal to normative values (≤0.25) and a HAQ DI score greater or equal to minimum clinically important difference (MCID) (≥0.22). Safety was assessed to month 36. RESULTS Of 504 patients initiating tofacitinib, 44.4% received concomitant methotrexate. At month 6, 52.9% and 15.4% of patients were in CDAI-defined LDA and remission, respectively; a similar proportion of patients achieved outcomes by month 3 (first post-baseline assessment). By month 3, 27.2% and 41.7% of patients, respectively, were in DAS28-ESR-defined LDA and DAS28-CRP <3.2; 14.7% and 25.8% achieved DAS28-ESR remission and DAS28-CRP <2.6. By month 3, mild pain and moderate and substantial pain improvements occurred in 29.6%, 55.6%, and 42.9% of patients, respectively; 19.9% and 53.7% of patients achieved a HAQ DI score greater than or equal to normative values and a HAQ DI score greater than or equal to MCID, respectively. Outcomes were generally maintained to month 18. Incidence rates (events per 100 patient-years) for treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, and discontinuations due to AEs were 126.8, 11.9, and 14.5, respectively, and AEs of special interest were infrequent. CONCLUSION Tofacitinib was associated with early and sustained improvement in RA signs and symptoms in real-world patients. Effectiveness and safety were consistent with the established tofacitinib clinical profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boulos Haraoui
- Institut de Rhumatologie de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Majed Khraishi
- Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Denis Choquette
- Institut de Rhumatologie de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Michelle Teo
- University of British Columbia, Penticton, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - John S Sampalis
- JSS Medical Research and University of McGill, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Misra DP, Pande G, Agarwal V. Cardiovascular risks associated with Janus kinase inhibitors: peering outside the black box. Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:621-632. [PMID: 36264400 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06415-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Considerable controversy related to the cardiovascular safety of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKinibs) has arisen following the results of the ORAL Surveillance trial. In this trial of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) ≥ 50 years with at least one prevalent cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor, tofacitinib was not found to be non-inferior to tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors (TNFi) with regards to the risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), venous thromboembolism (VTE) or malignancy. Following the results of ORAL Surveillance, the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) issued a boxed warning regarding increased risks of MACE, VTE and malignancy with tofacitinib, baricitinib or upadacitinib in inflammatory arthritis or ulcerative colitis. Analysis of data from other trials (including long-term follow-up studies) of tofacitinib in RA, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, spondyloarthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases suggests an overall similar risk of MACE or VTE with tofacitinib when compared with TNFi. In specific patient populations with risk factors for or prior history of MACE or VTE, the risk of subsequent MACE or VTE with tofacitinib use is considerably heightened. Post-hoc analyses from ORAL Surveillance presented at the recent EULAR meeting further help to delineate patients with RA at increased risk of MACE/VTE with tofacitinib. Based on the available literature from trials and long-term follow-up studies of baricitinib and upadacitinib, there exists insufficient evidence to extend the warning of MACE/VTE with tofacitinib to these drugs. Ongoing post-marketing surveillance studies of JAKinibs in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases should help clarify CVD risk with JAKinibs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durga Prasanna Misra
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow-226014, India.
| | - Gaurav Pande
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow-226014, India
| | - Vikas Agarwal
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow-226014, India
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Winthrop K, Isaacs J, Calabrese L, Mittal D, Desai S, Barry J, Strengholt S, Galloway J. Opportunistic infections associated with Janus kinase inhibitor treatment for rheumatoid arthritis: A structured literature review. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2023; 58:152120. [PMID: 36347212 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2022.152120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The availability of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors has transformed the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), helping patients achieve clinical remission. However, the emergence of opportunistic infections (OIs) associated with the use of JAK inhibitors has been reported. This structured literature review was conducted to summarize reports of OIs associated with JAK inhibitor treatment for RA in clinical trials. METHODS Structured searches were performed in MEDLINE® and Embase® to identify relevant clinical trial data through March 2021. Bibliographic searches of recent reviews were also conducted, and gray literature searches were used to supplement key gap areas. Publications were screened, extracted, and quality assessed. Data were narratively synthesized. RESULTS Following screening, 105 publications describing 62 unique clinical trials reporting the rates of OIs in RA patients treated with JAK inhibitors were included. Overall, the highest exposure-adjusted incidence rate was reported for herpes zoster (HZ) infection (any form), followed by OI (any) and tuberculosis based on limited data from clinical trials with approved doses of JAK inhibitors. Lack of head-to-head trials and differences in trial design preclude direct comparison across JAK inhibitors. Higher rates of OIs were noted in the Asian and Australian populations compared with the global population. Higher rates of OIs were also noted with increasing dose of JAK inhibitors in most clinical trial data. CONCLUSIONS HZ was the most common OI reported among RA patients using all currently approved JAK inhibitors in clinical trials, although tuberculosis and other OIs were also reported. More long-term safety studies in the real-world setting are needed to compare the risk of OIs between various JAK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Winthrop
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Oregon Health and Sciences University, USA.
| | - John Isaacs
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Musculoskeletal Unit, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | | | | | - Jane Barry
- Galapagos, Zernikedreef 16, Leiden 2333 CL, the Netherlands
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Molander V, Bower H, Frisell T, Delcoigne B, Di Giuseppe D, Askling J. Venous thromboembolism with JAK inhibitors and other immune-modulatory drugs: a Swedish comparative safety study among patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:189-197. [PMID: 36150749 PMCID: PMC9887398 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-223050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess and compare the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi), tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) or other biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). For contextualisation, to assess VTE incidences in the Swedish general population and in the RA source population. METHODS We performed a nationwide register-based, active comparator, new user design cohort study in Sweden from 2010 to 2021. The Swedish Rheumatology Quality Register was linked to national health registers to identify treatment cohorts (exposure) of initiators of a JAKi, a TNFi, or a non-TNFi bDMARD (n=32 737 treatment initiations). We also identified a general population cohort (matched 1:5, n=92 108), and an 'overall RA' comparator cohort (n=85 722). Outcome was time to first VTE during the follow-up, overall and by deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). We calculated incidence rates (IR) and multivariable-adjusted HRs using Cox regression. RESULTS Based on 559 incident VTE events, the age- and sex-standardised (to TNFi) IR (95% CI) for VTE was 5.15 per 1000 person-years (4.58 to 5.78) for patients treated with TNFi, 11.33 (8.54 to 15.04) for patients treated with JAKi, 5.86 (5.69 to 6.04) in the overall RA cohort and 3.28 (3.14 to 3.43) in the general population. The fully adjusted HR (95% CI) for VTE with JAKi versus TNFi was 1.73 (1.24 to 2.42), the corresponding HR for PE was 3.21 (2.11 to 4.88) and 0.83 (0.47 to 1.45) for DVT. CONCLUSIONS Patients with RA treated with JAKi in clinical practice are at increased risk of VTE compared with those treated with bDMARDs, an increase numerically confined to PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Molander
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hannah Bower
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas Frisell
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Benedicte Delcoigne
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniela Di Giuseppe
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Askling
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Lima XTV, Bambery M, Alora MB. A retrospective study of oral tofacitinib therapy for alopecia areata. An Bras Dermatol 2023; 98:221-224. [PMID: 36682967 PMCID: PMC9984713 DOI: 10.1016/j.abd.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xinaida Taligare Vasconcelos Lima
- Clinical Unit for Research Trials in Skin, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States,Dermatology Division, Internal Medicine Department, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Melissa Bambery
- Clinical Unit for Research Trials in Skin, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Maria Beatrice Alora
- Clinical Unit for Research Trials in Skin, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
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Sepriano A, Kerschbaumer A, Bergstra SA, Smolen JS, van der Heijde D, Caporali R, Edwards CJ, Verschueren P, de Souza S, Pope J, Takeuchi T, Hyrich K, Winthrop KL, Aletaha D, Stamm T, Schoones JW, Landewé RBM. Safety of synthetic and biological DMARDs: a systematic literature review informing the 2022 update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:107-118. [PMID: 36376026 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-223357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To perform a systematic literature review (SLR) concerning the safety of synthetic(s) and biological (b) disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to inform the 2022 update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS SLR of observational studies comparing safety outcomes of any DMARD with another intervention in RA. A comparator group was required for inclusion. For treatments yet without, or limited, registry data, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were used. RESULTS Fifty-nine observational studies addressed the safety of DMARDs. Two studies (unclear risk of bias (RoB)) showed an increased risk of serious infections with bDMARDs compared with conventional synthetic (cs)DMARDs. Herpes zoster infections occurred more with JAKi than csDMARDs (adjusted HR (aHR): 3.66) and bDMARDs (aHR: 1.9-2.3) (four studies, two low RoB). The risk of malignancies was similar across bDMARDs (five studies) and with tofacitinib compared with bDMARDs (one study, low RoB). The risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was similar with bDMARDs and tofacitinib (two studies, one low RoB). Thirty studies reported safety from RCTs, with one, designed to evaluate safety, showing that malignancies (HR (95% CI): 1.48 (1.04 to 2.09)) and MACE (HR (95% CI): 1.33 (0.91 to 1.94)) occurred numerically more frequently with tofacitinib (5 mg and 10 mg doses combined) than with TNFi in patients with cardiovascular risk factors. In this study, the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) was higher with tofacitinib 10 mg than with TNFi. CONCLUSION The safety profile of bDMARDs was further demonstrated. Whether the difference in incidence of malignancies, MACE and VTE between tofacitinib and TNFi applies to other JAKi needs further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Sepriano
- CHRC Campus Nova Medical School, Lisboa, Portugal .,Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas Kerschbaumer
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | | | - Josef S Smolen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria.,2nd Department of Medicine, Hietzing Hospital, Wien, Austria
| | | | - Roberto Caporali
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, ASS G. Pini, University of Milan, Milano, Italy.,Department of Rheumatology, ASST PINI-CTO, Milan, Italy
| | - Christopher J Edwards
- NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Patrick Verschueren
- Rheumatology, KU Leuven University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium.,Engineering Research Centre, Lueven, Belgium
| | - Savia de Souza
- Patient Research Partner Network, European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Janet Pope
- Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Western Ontario Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tsutomu Takeuchi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine Graduate School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Japan.,Saitama Medical University, Iruma-gun, Japan
| | - Kimme Hyrich
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Kevin L Winthrop
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Daniel Aletaha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Tanja Stamm
- Section for Outcomes Research, Centre for Medical Statistics, Informatics, and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria.,Institute for Arthritis and Rehabilitation, Ludwig Boltzmann, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jan W Schoones
- Walaeus Library, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Robert B M Landewé
- Amsterdam Rheumatology Center, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Rheumatology, Zuyderland Medical Centre Heerlen, Heerlen, The Netherlands
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Smolen JS, Landewé RBM, Bergstra SA, Kerschbaumer A, Sepriano A, Aletaha D, Caporali R, Edwards CJ, Hyrich KL, Pope JE, de Souza S, Stamm TA, Takeuchi T, Verschueren P, Winthrop KL, Balsa A, Bathon JM, Buch MH, Burmester GR, Buttgereit F, Cardiel MH, Chatzidionysiou K, Codreanu C, Cutolo M, den Broeder AA, El Aoufy K, Finckh A, Fonseca JE, Gottenberg JE, Haavardsholm EA, Iagnocco A, Lauper K, Li Z, McInnes IB, Mysler EF, Nash P, Poor G, Ristic GG, Rivellese F, Rubbert-Roth A, Schulze-Koops H, Stoilov N, Strangfeld A, van der Helm-van Mil A, van Duuren E, Vliet Vlieland TPM, Westhovens R, van der Heijde D. EULAR recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis with synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: 2022 update. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:3-18. [PMID: 36357155 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-223356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 350] [Impact Index Per Article: 350.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide an update of the EULAR rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management recommendations addressing the most recent developments in the field. METHODS An international task force was formed and solicited three systematic literature research activities on safety and efficacy of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and glucocorticoids (GCs). The new evidence was discussed in light of the last update from 2019. A predefined voting process was applied to each overarching principle and recommendation. Levels of evidence and strengths of recommendation were assigned to and participants finally voted on the level of agreement with each item. RESULTS The task force agreed on 5 overarching principles and 11 recommendations concerning use of conventional synthetic (cs) DMARDs (methotrexate (MTX), leflunomide, sulfasalazine); GCs; biological (b) DMARDs (tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab including biosimilars), abatacept, rituximab, tocilizumab, sarilumab and targeted synthetic (ts) DMARDs, namely the Janus kinase inhibitors tofacitinib, baricitinib, filgotinib, upadacitinib. Guidance on monotherapy, combination therapy, treatment strategies (treat-to-target) and tapering in sustained clinical remission is provided. Safety aspects, including risk of major cardiovascular events (MACEs) and malignancies, costs and sequencing of b/tsDMARDs were all considered. Initially, MTX plus GCs is recommended and on insufficient response to this therapy within 3-6 months, treatment should be based on stratification according to risk factors; With poor prognostic factors (presence of autoantibodies, high disease activity, early erosions or failure of two csDMARDs), any bDMARD should be added to the csDMARD; after careful consideration of risks of MACEs, malignancies and/or thromboembolic events tsDMARDs may also be considered in this phase. If the first bDMARD (or tsDMARD) fails, any other bDMARD (from another or the same class) or tsDMARD (considering risks) is recommended. With sustained remission, DMARDs may be tapered but should not be stopped. Levels of evidence and levels of agreement were high for most recommendations. CONCLUSIONS These updated EULAR recommendations provide consensus on RA management including safety, effectiveness and cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef S Smolen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine 3, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert B M Landewé
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Amsterdam University Medical Center & Zuyderland Medical Center Heerlen, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Sytske Anne Bergstra
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas Kerschbaumer
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine 3, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Daniel Aletaha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine 3, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roberto Caporali
- Milan & Department of Rheumatology, ASST PINI-CTO, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Christopher John Edwards
- MSK Research Unit, NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Kimme L Hyrich
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre and NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre. Manchester University NHS Trust, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Janet E Pope
- Western University, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Savia de Souza
- EULAR Patient Research Partner Network, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tanja A Stamm
- Section for Outcomes Research, Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics, and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tsutomu Takeuchi
- Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo and Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | | | | | - Alejandro Balsa
- Servicio de Reumatologia, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joan M Bathon
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maya H Buch
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Division of Musculoskeletal & Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health and NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Gerd R Burmester
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Buttgereit
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Katerina Chatzidionysiou
- Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Rheumatology Division, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catalin Codreanu
- Center for Rheumatic Diseases, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Division of Rheumatology DiMI, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genova IRCCS, San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Khadija El Aoufy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Axel Finckh
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals & Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - João Eurico Fonseca
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon Academic Medical Center, and Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Espen A Haavardsholm
- Center for treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (REMEDY), Diakonhjemmet Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Annamaria Iagnocco
- Academic Rheumatology Centre - AO Mauriziano Torino, Cattedra di Reumatologia - Dipartimento Scienze Cliniche e Biologiche, Università degli Studi di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Kim Lauper
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals & Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Zhanguo Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Iain B McInnes
- College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Peter Nash
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gyula Poor
- National Institute of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Semmelweis University Medical School, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gorica G Ristic
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology and Medical Faculty of the Military Medical Academy, The University of Defense in Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Felice Rivellese
- Centre for Experimental Medicine and Rheumatology, William Harvey Research Institute, London, UK
| | - Andrea Rubbert-Roth
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Hendrik Schulze-Koops
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine IV, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nikolay Stoilov
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital "St. Ivan Rilski", Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Anja Strangfeld
- Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Rheumatology Division, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Programme Area of Epidemiology and Health Services Research, German Rheumatism Research Centre, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Elsa van Duuren
- The Sefako Makgatho Health Science University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Theodora P M Vliet Vlieland
- Department of Orthopaedics, Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - René Westhovens
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Song YJ, Cho SK, You SH, Kim JY, Kim H, Jung SY, Sung YK. Association between malignancy risk and Janus kinase inhibitors versus tumour necrosis factor inhibitors in Korean patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a nationwide population-based study. RMD Open 2022; 8:rmdopen-2022-002614. [PMID: 36549855 PMCID: PMC9791465 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the risk of malignancy in Korean patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) compared with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFis). METHODS A retrospective cohort of patients with RA initiating their first JAKi or TNFi was established using the Korean National Health Insurance database between 2015 and 2019. They were followed up from treatment initiation to the occurrence of malignancy, drug discontinuation, death or until December 2019. Baseline features of the patients were balanced through inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) using a propensity score. A Cox proportional hazard model was established to estimate the HR for malignancy risk in JAKi users compared with TNFi users. RESULTS A total of 4929 patients (1064 JAKi-treated and 3865 TNFi-treated patients) were included, and the observation periods were 1288.6 person-years (PYs) for JAKi users and 6823.8 PYs for TNFi users. The incidence rates of overall malignancy were 0.54 per 100 PYs (95% CI 0.26 to 1.14) in JAKi users and 0.85 per 100 PYs (95% CI 0.66 to 1.10) in TNFi users. In IPTW analysis with a balanced sample (4101 JAKi-treated and 5131 TNFi-treated patients), HR was 0.83 (95% CI 0.55 to 1.27) for overall malignancy: 0.77 (95% CI 0.50 to 1.19) for solid malignancy and 2.86 (95% CI 0.41 to 20.00) for haematological malignancy. CONCLUSION Malignancy risk in Korean patients with RA was not increased with JAKi use compared with TNFi use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeo-Jin Song
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of),Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology Research, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Soo-Kyung Cho
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of),Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology Research, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Seung-Hun You
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Jeong-Yeon Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Hyoungyoung Kim
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of),Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology Research, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Sun-Young Jung
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Yoon-Kyoung Sung
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of),Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology Research, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Almalki H, Aljehani N, Dumyati M, Alabdali H. Efficacy and Safety of Tofacitinib in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): A Retrospective Study From Two Centers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2022; 14:e32240. [PMID: 36620821 PMCID: PMC9813543 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tofacitinib is the first Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor approved for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Several clinical trials have evaluated the safety and effectiveness of tofacitinib in adult patients with moderately to severely active RA. Real-world studies provide invaluable insights into routine clinical practice. We aim to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of RA patients. METHODS Over a period of two years, we included 50 consecutive RA patients who were treated with tofacitinib. Clinical disease activity, assessed by disease activity score (DAS) 28 - erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), as well as adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. RESULTS A total of 50 patients (84% female) were enrolled in the study. The mean age at initiation of tofacitinib was 48.54 ± 15.97 years. The mean time of treatment with tofacitinib was 18.06 ± 2.04 months. Patients were treated with tofacitinib 5 mg BID with 32% receiving tofacitinib as monotherapy. A total of 74% of the patients had been prescribed at least one biological treatment. The treatment target was achieved in 42 patients (82%). Baseline characteristics and previous treatment regimens did not predict clinical response to tofacitinib. Fifteen patients discontinued the treatment: seven due to ineffectiveness, four due to pregnancy, and five due to adverse events. The most common infectious adverse event was herpes zoster (4%) while the most common observed laboratory abnormalities were elevation in low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) in 6% and 8% of the patients, respectively. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that tofacitinib is effective in real-world settings even as monotherapy. The treatment target was attained by 82% of the patients on tofacitinib. The safety profile of tofacitinib was generally consistent with previous studies.
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Balanescu AR, Citera G, Pascual-Ramos V, Bhatt DL, Connell CA, Gold D, Chen AS, Sawyerr G, Shapiro AB, Pope JE, Schulze-Koops H. Infections in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving tofacitinib versus tumour necrosis factor inhibitors: results from the open-label, randomised controlled ORAL Surveillance trial. Ann Rheum Dis 2022; 81:1491-1503. [PMID: 35922124 PMCID: PMC9606533 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-222405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterise infections in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in ORAL Surveillance. METHODS In this open-label, randomised controlled trial, patients with RA aged≥50 years with ≥1 additional cardiovascular risk factor received tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg two times per day or a tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi). Incidence rates (IRs; patients with first events/100 patient-years) and hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated for infections, overall and by age (50-<65 years; ≥65 years). Probabilities of infections were obtained (Kaplan-Meier estimates). Cox modelling identified infection risk factors. RESULTS IRs/HRs for all infections, serious infection events (SIEs) and non-serious infections (NSIs) were higher with tofacitinib (10>5 mg two times per day) versus TNFi. For SIEs, HR (95% CI) for tofacitinib 5 and 10 mg two times per day versus TNFi, respectively, were 1.17 (0.92 to 1.50) and 1.48 (1.17 to 1.87). Increased IRs/HRs for all infections and SIEs with tofacitinib 10 mg two times per day versus TNFi were more pronounced in patients aged≥65 vs 50-<65 years. SIE probability increased from month 18 and before month 6 with tofacitinib 5 and 10 mg two times per day versus TNFi, respectively. NSI probability increased before month 6 with both tofacitinib doses versus TNFi. Across treatments, the most predictive risk factors for SIEs were increasing age, baseline opioid use, history of chronic lung disease and time-dependent oral corticosteroid use, and, for NSIs, female sex, history of chronic lung disease/infections, past smoking and time-dependent Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, C-reactive protein. CONCLUSIONS Infections were higher with tofacitinib versus TNFi. Findings may inform future treatment decisions. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02092467.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andra-Rodica Balanescu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sf Maria Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gustavo Citera
- Department of Rheumatology, Instituto de Rehabilitación Psicofísica, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Virginia Pascual-Ramos
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Deepak L Bhatt
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - David Gold
- Pfizer Canada ULC, Kirkland, Montreal, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Janet E Pope
- Division of Rheumatology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hendrik Schulze-Koops
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine IV, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
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Giachi A, Cugno M, Gualtierotti R. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs improve the cardiovascular profile in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:1012661. [PMID: 36352850 PMCID: PMC9637771 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1012661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting about 0. 5–1% of the adult population and manifesting as persistent synovitis, systemic inflammation and production of autoantibodies. Patients affected by RA not only experience chronic disease progression, but are also burdened by a 1.5-fold increased cardiovascular (CV) risk, which is comparable to the risk experienced by patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. RA patients also have a higher incidence and prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD). Although RA patients frequently present traditional CV risk factors such as insulin resistance and active smoking, previous studies have clarified the pivotal role of chronic inflammation–driven by proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)–in accelerating the process of atherosclerosis and impairing the coagulation system. Over the last years, a number of studies have shown that disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) reducing the inflammatory state in general improve the CV risk, however some drugs may carry some apparent negative effects. Thus, RA is a model of disease in which targeting inflammation may counteract the progression of atherosclerosis and reduce CV risk. Clinical and experimental evidence indicates that the management of RA patients should be tailored based on the positive and negative effects of DMARDs on CV risk together with the individual traditional CV risk profile. The identification of genetic, biochemical and clinical biomarkers, predictive of evolution and response to treatment, will be the next challenge for a precision approach to reduce the burden of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Giachi
- UOC Medicina Generale Emostasi e Trombosi, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Cugno
- UOC Medicina Generale Emostasi e Trombosi, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Massimo Cugno
| | - Roberta Gualtierotti
- UOC Medicina Generale Emostasi e Trombosi, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
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