The Role of Biologics in The Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease, occurs due to the inflammation of the synovial fluid in the multiple joints. An inflamed synovial membrane releases cytokines, which damages the joint component such as cartilage, it leads to joint destruction. The conventional drugs used for treating RA are known as DMARDs (disease modifying antirheumatic drugs. The traditional DMARDs have limited use due to its side effects and/or the limited efficacy for treating RA. The actual cause of RA remains unknown. In recent times, an advancement in molecular technology facilitates to identify the cell surface markers, distinct targeted cells, and cell products which contribute to the immune mediated responses associated with RA. In the last decade, several novel biological have been introduced for the treatment of RA: anakinra (IL-1 receptor antagonist), infliximab, adalimumab and etanercept (anti TNF agents), rituximab (anti-CD20 agent), abatacept (selective T-cell modulator), and tocilizumab (anti-interleukin 6). In the present review, we made a brief discussion about the roles of these agents and their clinical efficacies in the treatment of RA.