The role of Janus kinase inhibitor in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Introduction. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is autoimmune in nature. A JAKi may be utilized to treat RA. It is a member of the DMARDs family. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of JAKi in the treatment of RA. Material and methods. A narrative literature review study was carried out. A bibliographic search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, WebMed, Google Scholar, National Institutes of Health, and Med Central. Articles published between 2018 and 2024 were selected using various combinations of keywords such as rheumatoid arthritis, Janus kinase inhibitor, tofacitinib, baricitinib, and Upadacitinib. Results. This study validates that it is capable of being taken orally due to its patient friendly nature. Patients who have not responded adequately to biologic DMARDs may use it. Drugs like tofacitinib, baricitinib, and Upadacitinib that have FDA approval are widely utilized. A number of people receiving JAKi therapy have side effects that include elevated liver enzymes, cardiovascular risks, hematological abnormalities, and infections like herpes zoster. For optimal effects in order to lessen the severity of adverse effects, it is utilized as monotherapy. In the future, the challenge of using JAKi appropriately will arise in clinical settings. Future use of these medications is anticipated to rise, which means that more clinical data regarding the long-term outcomes and adverse effects will need to be gathered for the safe administration of JAK inhibitors. Conclusions. JAKi are tiny compounds that specifically target intracellular signaling molecules that function by preventing the activity of the Janus kinase enzyme, hence reducing inflammation. In addition to being widely used as an alternative to biologics, JAKi has become standard therapy for RA patients who are not responding to csDMARDS.