The number needed to treat for second-generation biologics when treating established rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic quantitative review of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Comparable efficacy was shown by the five biological agents studied, with few adverse events. However, for rituximab, tocilizumab, and golimumab, only 6-month data were available, hampering the external validity with regard to long-term efficacy and tolerability. A low dose (500 mg) of rituximab may be as effective as the recommended dose of 1000 mg.

Certolizumab pegol in rheumatoid arthritis: a review of Phase III clinical trials and its role in real-life clinical practice

“…Plans for a trial directly comparing two TNFi therapies (certolizumab and adalimumab), the first of its kind, have recently been announced [102]. Comparison across randomized controlled trials has been undertaken using the number needed to treat (NNT) to achieve response, as this should not be affected by clinical differences between the study populations, without revealing any remarkable differences; amongst new biologic therapies (including CZP), the NNT to achieve one ACR50 response at 1 year was between 4 and 6 [38], and amongst all five available TNFi therapies, the NNT for ACR50 response at 6 months fell between 3 and 5 [39]. Use of a loading regimen with CZP may improve its speed of onset; a pharmacokinetic study demonstrated that 80% of ultimate ACR20 responders achieved this response at week 8, compared with week 12 when loading was not undertaken [40], and in the RAPID Phase III trials (in which a loading regimen was employed) continued improvements in ACR20 response were seen up to week 12, after which they plateaued [8,9].…”

Modern Aspects of Diagnosis and Treatment of Anemia in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

“…Данные рандомизированных плацебоконтролируе-мых исследований ТЦЗ, включивших более 3000 больных РА, продемонстрировали не только устойчивое клиниче-ское улучшение и благоприятный профиль эффективно-сти/безопасности нового терапевтического подхода, но и влияние на уровень Hb и утомляемость у больных РА [85,[90][91][92][93][94][95].…”

Golimumab: In Combination with Methotrexate as Once Monthly Treatment for Moderate to Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…17 These agents included two TNF alpha inhibitors (golimumab and certolizumab). The NNT was based on the benefit of achieving an ACR50 response and the NNH was based on the percentage of patients who withdrew from the study due to adverse effects.…”