FDA-Approved Janus Kinase-Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK-STAT) Inhibitors for Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Narrative Review of the Literature

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex autoimmune disease causing chronic joint inflammation and, in more serious cases, organ involvement. RA typically affects people between the ages of 35 and 60; however, it can also afflict children younger than the age of 16 years and can also demonstrate a pattern of remission later in the disease course. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, exercise, and patient education are all used in the management of RA, which is divided into symptomatic management and disease-modifying management (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) to reduce pain and inflammation, thereby preserving joint function. Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) have led to a substantial improvement in the management of RA. By specifically targeting the JAK-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway, which is essential for immunological modulation, these inhibitors also demonstrate promise in treating various autoimmune illnesses, including inflammatory bowel diseases, giant cell arteritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. Tofacitinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib, peficitinib, delgocitinib, and filgotinib are examples of FDA-approved JAKis that have distinct properties and indications for treating a range of autoimmune illnesses. JAKis demonstrate a promising treatment approach for managing RA and other autoimmune diseases while enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life. However, due to major safety concerns and the need for long-term success, meticulous patient monitoring is essential.

Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis—Associated Genes, Cytokines, and Human Leukocyte Antigens

“…While combination therapy has been shown to be very effective for plaque psoriasis, with promising combinations of pioglitazone, the overall approach remains complicated and complex, especially for patients with serious comorbidities [107,108]. FDA-approved JAK-STAT inhibitors are also showing promise, not only in PsA but also in different inflammatory conditions [109]. Etanercept is viewed as effective for juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which may have implications for similar strategies for psoriatic arthritis [110].…”