Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: current and future

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory condition characterised by an erosive arthropathy and other extraarticular manifestations. It affects approximately 1 per cent of the population1 and the incidence is three times higher in women than men, peaking between the ages of 40 and 70 years. The disease has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients as well as on society at large and effective treatments are highly sought after. Although biologic therapies have transformed the management of RA, there is still scope for newer therapies and treatment strategies continue to evolve. This review will focus on the presently available treatments, the current unmet need and the future therapeutic strategy with a focus on some of newer molecules that show promise.