New opportunities for baseline therapy of rheumatoid arthritis (based on data of southern Russia rheumatology council meeting of May 13, 2015, Volgograd)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment includes anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) modifying the development of the disease. The principle purpose of the RA treatment is to achieve remission or minimal disease activity. A group of rheumatology experts from southern Russia and St.Petesburg recommended a novel disease-modifying drug, tofacitinib, to enhance the efficacy and safety of RA treatment. The experts analyzed the results of the international clinical trials and shared their experience in the use of tofacitinib. The Council resolution contains suggestions regarding the use of tofacitinib at a dose of 10 mg daily for treating RA as a monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate. We conclude that tofacitinib can be used as a potential alternative to genetically engineered biologic agents.