Non–TNF-Targeted Biologic Found Superior to Second Anti-TNF Drug to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis in Patients With Insufficient Response to a First Anti-TNF Drug

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Jacques-Eric Gottenberg, MD, PhD Department of Rheumatology National Reference Center for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Strasbourg University Hospital, Université de Strasbourg Strasbourg, FranceJacques-Eric Gottenberg, MD, PhD
Department of Rheumatology
National Reference Center for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases
Strasbourg University Hospital, Université de Strasbourg
Strasbourg, France

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: There is no recommendation for the choice of the second biologic in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and insufficient response to a first anti-TNF, which is a common situation in our daily practice (approximately one third of patients treated with anti-TNF). We therefore conducted the first randomized trial to date to investigate the best strategy in such a setting.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: We demonstrated a superior effectiveness of non-TNF targeted biologics (abatacept, rituximab or tocilizumab) compared to a second anti-TNF medication.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: Future research should now compare the non-TNF targeted biologic by implementing head to head randomized controlled trials (for example abatacept versus tocilizumab).

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

Gottenberg J, Brocq O, Perdriger A, et al. Non–TNF-Targeted Biologic vs a Second Anti-TNF Drug to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis in Patients With Insufficient Response to a First Anti-TNF Drug: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2016;316(11):1172-1180. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.13512.

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Last Updated on September 26, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD