Safety of synthetic and biological DMARDs: a systematic literature review informing the 2019 update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis

Pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies in difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic literature review informing the EULAR recommendations for the management of difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

To summarise, by a systematic literature review (SLR), the evidence regarding pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies in difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis (D2T RA), informing the EULAR recommendations for the management of D2T RA.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched up to December 2019. Relevant papers were selected and appraised.

RESULTS

Two hundred seven (207) papers studied therapeutic strategies. Limited evidence was found on effective and safe disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in patients with comorbidities and other contraindications that limit DMARD options (patients with obesity, hepatitis B and C, risk of venous thromboembolisms, pregnancy and lactation). In patients who previously failed biological (b-)DMARDs, all currently used b/targeted synthetic (ts-)DMARDs were found to be more effective than placebo. In patients who previously failed a tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi), there was a tendency of non-TNFi bDMARDs to be more effective than TNFis. Generally, effectiveness decreased in patients who previously failed a higher number of bDMARDs. Additionally, exercise, psychological, educational and self-management interventions were found to improve non-inflammatory complaints (mainly functional disability, pain, fatigue), education to improve goal setting, and self-management programmes, educational and psychological interventions to improve self-management.The identified evidence had several limitations: (1) no studies were found in patients with D2T RA specifically, (2) heterogeneous outcome criteria were used and (3) most studies had a moderate or high risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

This SLR underscores the scarcity of high-quality evidence on the pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of patients with D2T RA. Effectiveness of b/tsDMARDs decreased in RA patients who had failed a higher number of bDMARDs and a subsequent b/tsDMARD of a previously not targeted mechanism of action was somewhat more effective. Additionally, a beneficial effect of non-pharmacological interventions was found for improvement of non-inflammatory complaints, goal setting and self-management.

Rationale and evidence on the use of tocilizumab in COVID-19: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Tocilizumab is an IL-6 receptor-blocking agent proposed for the treatment of severe COVID-19. The aim of this systematic review was to describe the rationale for the use of tocilizumab for the treatment of COVID-19 and to summarize the available evidence regarding its efficacy and safety.

METHODS

MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, pre-print repositories (bioRxiv and medRxiv) and two trial Registries were searched for studies on the use of tocilizumab in COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 infection, viral pneumonia, and/or sepsis until 20th June 2020.

RESULTS

We identified 3 indirect pre-clinical studies and 28 clinical studies including 5776 patients with COVID-19 (13 with a comparison group, 15 single-arm). To date, no randomized trials have been published. We retrieved no studies at low risk of bias. Forty-five ongoing studies were retrieved from trial registries.

CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence regarding the clinical efficacy and safety of tocilizumab in patients with COVID-19. Its use should be considered experimental, requiring ethical approval and clinical trial oversight.

A Cohort Study of Liver Involvement in Patients With Adult-Onset Still's Disease: Prevalence, Characteristics and Impact on Prognosis

Objective: Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a systemic disorder commonly accompanied by liver involvement. This study aims to illustrate the detailed information of liver abnormalities in patients with AOSD and evaluate the impact on the prognosis.

Methods: A total number of 128 hospitalized patients, who met the Yamaguchi criteria of AOSD in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital from July 2016 to August 2019 were consecutively enrolled and followed up. The demographic characteristics, clinical features, laboratory tests, treatments and prognosis were recorded. Correlations of liver function tests (LFTs) with disease activity and laboratory parameters were analyzed by the Spearman test. Risk factors of the refractory AOSD were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results: Liver involvement was presented in 104 (81.3%) patients with AOSD. We observed that 34 (32.7%) patients were with mild elevation, 32 (30.8%) patients were with moderate elevation, and 38 (36.5%) patients were with severe elevation. The majority of elevated ALT, AST and ALP decreased to normal within the range of 2 months, except for GGT. Furthermore, the LFTs were found significantly correlated with disease activity. Besides, we found patients with higher levels of LFTs tended to require more intensive treatments and suffered from poorer prognosis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed ALP ≥ 141 IU/L and GGT ≥ 132 IU/L are independent risk factors of refractory AOSD.

Conclusion: Liver involvement is common in patients with AOSD, the levels of LFTs are associated with disease activity and related to the treatment strategies and prognosis.

Risk of venous thromboembolism in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune joint disease with persistent systemic inflammation. Patients with RA suffer from joint pain and physical disability, but have their prognosis mostly driven by cardiovascular events, including venous thromboembolism (VTE). The risk of VTE is more than double in patients with RA compared with the general population. The incidence rate in patients with RA is estimated around 4 cases per 1000 person-years. The etiology of thrombotic tendency in RA is linked to various mechanisms and causal factors (antiphsolpholid antibodies, hyperhomocyteinemia, inflammation…): vascular injury, hypercoagulation, and venous stasis, the three components of the Virchow's triad, are activated in patients with RA. In clinical practice, situations that put patients for VTE should be identified (e.g., surgery, first year after RA diagnosis, hospitalization for acute illness…). Patients with RA are exposed to reversible risk factors, such as major surgery (knee or hip surgery) or hospitalization with immobilization. Similarly, uncontrolled RA, which is defined by the necessity to switch a biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD), increases the incidence of VTE in observational studies. Moreover, DMARDs may impact the risk of VTE, especially in the time window after first prescription. Several biological DMARDs like tofacitinib have been associated with an increased risk of VTE. Therefore, patients with RA may require specific measures in terms of VTE diagnosis and management. In this review, we provide current insights into the pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical considerations, and treatment strategies of VTE highlighting gaps in evidence and perspectives in patients with RA.

Risk of hydroxychloroquine alone and in combination with azithromycin in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a multinational, retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Hydroxychloroquine, a drug commonly used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, has received much negative publicity for adverse events associated with its authorisation for emergency use to treat patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. We studied the safety of hydroxychloroquine, alone and in combination with azithromycin, to determine the risk associated with its use in routine care in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

In this multinational, retrospective study, new user cohort studies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis aged 18 years or older and initiating hydroxychloroquine were compared with those initiating sulfasalazine and followed up over 30 days, with 16 severe adverse events studied. Self-controlled case series were done to further establish safety in wider populations, and included all users of hydroxychloroquine regardless of rheumatoid arthritis status or indication. Separately, severe adverse events associated with hydroxychloroquine plus azithromycin (compared with hydroxychloroquine plus amoxicillin) were studied. Data comprised 14 sources of claims data or electronic medical records from Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK, and the USA. Propensity score stratification and calibration using negative control outcomes were used to address confounding. Cox models were fitted to estimate calibrated hazard ratios (HRs) according to drug use. Estimates were pooled where the I 2 value was less than 0·4.

FINDINGS

The study included 956 374 users of hydroxychloroquine, 310 350 users of sulfasalazine, 323 122 users of hydroxychloroquine plus azithromycin, and 351 956 users of hydroxychloroquine plus amoxicillin. No excess risk of severe adverse events was identified when 30-day hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine use were compared. Self-controlled case series confirmed these findings. However, long-term use of hydroxychloroquine appeared to be associated with increased cardiovascular mortality (calibrated HR 1·65 [95% CI 1·12-2·44]). Addition of azithromycin appeared to be associated with an increased risk of 30-day cardiovascular mortality (calibrated HR 2·19 [95% CI 1·22-3·95]), chest pain or angina (1·15 [1·05-1·26]), and heart failure (1·22 [1·02-1·45]).

INTERPRETATION

Hydroxychloroquine treatment appears to have no increased risk in the short term among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, but in the long term it appears to be associated with excess cardiovascular mortality. The addition of azithromycin increases the risk of heart failure and cardiovascular mortality even in the short term. We call for careful consideration of the benefit-risk trade-off when counselling those on hydroxychloroquine treatment.

FUNDING

National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, NIHR Senior Research Fellowship programme, US National Institutes of Health, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Janssen Research and Development, IQVIA, Korea Health Industry Development Institute through the Ministry of Health and Welfare Republic of Korea, Versus Arthritis, UK Medical Research Council Doctoral Training Partnership, Foundation Alfonso Martin Escudero, Innovation Fund Denmark, Novo Nordisk Foundation, Singapore Ministry of Health's National Medical Research Council Open Fund Large Collaborative Grant, VINCI, Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking, EU's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, and European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations.

Impact of Janus Kinase Inhibition on the Treatment of Axial Spondyloarthropathies

Many immune cells and effector molecules (e.g. cytokines, Interferons, growth factors) utilize different combinations of Janus kinase (JAK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) molecules to transduce signals from the cell surface to the nucleus, where they regulate transcription. This pathway is basically involved in almost all inflammatory diseases and also in the interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 cascade, which is an essential part of the pathogenesis of spondyloarthropathies (SpA). Upon evidence from in vitro and in vivo experiments indicating disease-modifying effects of JAK inhibition in inflammatory joint disease, numerous inhibitors of the JAK/STAT pathway (= JAKinibs) with different selectivity against the four members of the JAK family [JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2)] were developed. Trials in rheumatoid arthritis were successful with respect to efficacy and safety, and currently, three JAKinibs are approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in the European Union. Although new treatment options (anti-IL-23, anti-IL-17, and phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors) have become available for spondyloarthritis and especially psoriatic arthritis (PsA) within the last years, most of them are biologics and do not address all disease manifestations equally. Therefore, multiple trials were initiated to evaluate JAKinibs in PsA and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). A trial of Tofacitinib (OPAL) was successful in PsA and has led to the inclusion of JAKinibs into the treatment algorithm. Currently many trials with JAKinibs are ongoing for PsA and axSpA, with one phase III trial of upadacitinib (selective JAK1 inhibitor) showing good therapeutic response in active radiographic axSpA.

Upadacitinib versus placebo or adalimumab with background methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and an inadequate response to methotrexate: a subgroup analysis of a phase III randomized controlled trial in Central and Eastern European patients

Background

In the randomized, phase III, global SELECT-COMPARE study, upadacitinib 15 mg demonstrated efficacy at week 12 versus placebo and adalimumab with methotrexate (MTX) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and inadequate response to MTX, which was maintained over 48 weeks. This post hoc analysis of SELECT-COMPARE reports the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib in Central and Eastern European (CEE) patients.

Methods

Patients were randomized 2:2:1 to upadacitinib 15 mg once daily, placebo, or adalimumab 40 mg every other week, and continued MTX. Efficacy and safety were assessed through 48 weeks. Primary endpoints were the achievement of ≥20% improvement in American College of Rheumatology response criteria and Disease Activity Score in 28 joints with C-reactive protein <2.6 responses at week 12 for upadacitinib versus placebo. No statistical comparisons were conducted.

Results

A total of 596 patients from 12 CEE countries were randomized. At week 12, a numerically greater proportion of patients receiving upadacitinib versus placebo or adalimumab achieved ≥20% improvement in American College of Rheumatology response criteria (72% versus 33% and 59%), Disease Activity Score in 28 joints with C-reactive protein <2.6 (26% versus 4% and 11%), low disease activity and remission, and improved physical function, with results maintained over 48 weeks. Upadacitinib treatment numerically inhibited structural progression versus placebo at week 26. Serious infection and herpes zoster rates were numerically higher with upadacitinib versus adalimumab (2.7 versus 1.7 and 2.3 versus 1.1 events/100 patient-years, respectively) over 48 weeks.

Conclusion

Consistent with the global population of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and an inadequate response to MTX, in CEE patients, upadacitinib 15 mg demonstrated clinical and functional improvements versus placebo and adalimumab, radiographic improvements versus placebo, and reasonable safety, over 48 weeks.

Sicherheit von synthetischen, biologischen und zielgerichteten DMARD

Neben den konventionellen synthetischen krankheitsmodifizierenden Antirheumatika (csDMARD) haben sich biologische DMARD (bDMARD) etabliert und waren in randomisierten Studien effektiv. Über die jüngeren zielgerichteten DMARD (tsDMARD) sind die Informationen noch spärlicher. Bei der ähnlichen Wirksamkeit der zahlreichen Medikamente kommt dem Sicherheitsprofil bei der Therapieauswahl eine besondere Rolle zu. Der Literaturüberblick liefert der EULAR-Gruppe Informationen über die aktuelle Evidenzlage.

Chinese Herbal Formula Huayu-Qiangshen-Tongbi Decoction Compared With Leflunomide in Combination With Methotrexate in Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Open-Label, Randomized, Controlled, Pilot Study

Background: Traditional Chinese Medicine is complementary and an alternative to modern medicine. The combination therapies of herbal products with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are gradually and widely adopted in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in China. Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Huayu-Qiangshen-Tongbi (HQT) decoction, a Chinese medicine formula, combined with methotrexate (MTX) in the treatment of patients with active RA, in comparison with the combination therapy of MTX with leflunomide (LEF). Methods: This pilot study was a monocenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial with two parallel arms. Ninety patients with active RA were randomly allocated to receive either HQT at a dose of 250 ml twice daily or LEF at a dose of 20 mg once daily, and all participants received MTX at a dose of 10-15 mg once weekly. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved a 20% improvement in the American College of Rheumatology criteria (ACR20) after a 24-week treatment. Results: 84.4% (76/90) patients completed the 24-week observation. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the percentage values of patients achieving the ACR20 response criteria were 72.1% (31/43) in MTX + HQT group and 74.4% (32/43) in MTX + LEF group (p = 0.808). No significant difference was observed in other parameters, including ACR50, ACR70, clinical disease activity index good responses, European League Against Rheumatism good response, remission rate, and low disease activity rate. The results of the per-protocol analysis showed consistency with those of the intention-to-treat analysis. The mean change from baseline at week 24 for the van der Heijde modified total sharp score had no significant difference between two groups (3.59 ± 4.75 and 1.34 ± 8.67 in the MTX + HQT group and MTX + LEF group, respectively, p = 0.613). The frequency of adverse events was similar in both groups (11 cases in the MTX + HQT and 17 cases in the MTX + LEF, p > 0.05). Conclusions: In patients with active RA, treatment with the combination of HQT and MTX was associated with improvement in signs, symptoms, and physical function. With a beneficial clinical response and acceptable tolerability, HQT or other Chinese medicine formula may be a good therapeutic option in combination with MTX for RA treatment. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trails Registry, ChiCTR-INR-16009031, Registered on 15th August 2016, http://www.chictr.org.cn/enindex.aspx.

Thrombosis in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) through the prism of Virchow's triad

The pathogenesis of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is gradually being comprehended. A high number of thrombotic episodes are reported, along with the mortality benefits of heparin. COVID-19 can be viewed as a prothrombotic disease. We overviewed the available evidence to explore this possibility. We identified various histopathology reports and clinical case series reporting thromboses in COVID-19. Also, multiple coagulation markers support this. COVID-19 can be regarded as a risk factor for thrombosis. Applying the principles of Virchow's triad, we described abnormalities in the vascular endothelium, altered blood flow, and platelet function abnormalities that lead to venous and arterial thromboses in COVID-19. Endothelial dysfunction, activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) with the release of procoagulant plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), and hyperimmune response with activated platelets seem to be significant contributors to thrombogenesis in COVID-19. Stratifying risk of COVID-19 thromboses should be based on age, presence of comorbidities, D-dimer, CT scoring, and various blood cell ratios. Isolated heparin therapy may not be sufficient to combat thrombosis in this disease. There is an urgent need to explore newer avenues like activated protein C, PAI-1 antagonists, and tissue plasminogen activators (tPA). These should be augmented with therapies targeting RAAS, antiplatelet drugs, repurposed antiinflammatory, and antirheumatic drugs. Key Points • Venous and arterial thromboses in COVID-19 can be viewed through the prism of Virchow's triad. • Endothelial dysfunction, platelet activation, hyperviscosity, and blood flow abnormalities due to hypoxia, immune reactions, and hypercoagulability lead to thrombogenesis in COVID-19. • There is an urgent need to stratify COVID-19 patients at risk for thrombosis using age, comorbidities, D-dimer, and CT scoring. • Patients with COVID-19 at high risk for thrombosis should be put on high dose heparin therapy.

Data Mining Study on Prescription Patterns of Different Dosage Forms of Chinese Herbal Medicines for Treating and Improving Immune-Inflammatory Indices in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To explore the prescription patterns of different dosage forms of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and their effects on immune-inflammatory indices.

METHODS

Clinical data were collected from patients with RA in 4 hospitals (3 Class A comprehensive hospitals and 1 Class B comprehensive hospital) in Anhui Province, China, from August 2012 to June 2018 via the electronic medical record gathering system. Following extraction of prescription information, each prescribed herb was quantified and standardized according to the knowledge base to establish a database of RA treatment formulae. The medical records were divided into the granules group and decoction pieces group. Core herbs and their combination patterns were obtained from the two groups of cases using Liquorice software. Changes in immune-inflammatory and hepatic and renal function indices were compared between the two groups using SPSS 23.0 software. The Aprior module of SPSS Clementine 11.1 software was applied to analyse the correlation between CHMs and improvement in indices. Finally, the ORACLE 10 g tool was used to evaluate the random walk model of the immune-inflammatory indices between the two groups.

RESULTS

(1) We retrospectively analysed 35,898 prescriptions for 6,829 patients with RA who received CHM treatment. There were 3,816 patients in the granules group and 3,013 in the decoction pieces group. (2) The core herbs were Pi (Spleen)-strengthening and dampness-resolving drugs, blood-activating and stasis-resolving drugs, wind/dampness-dispelling drugs and heat-clearing and detoxifying drugs. (3) Both dosage forms could improve immune-inflammatory indices in RA patients, with similar efficacy and no influence on hepatic or renal function. (4) Herba Siegesbeckiae and Oldenlandia had a stronger association with immune-inflammatory indices in the two groups. (5) The immune-inflammatory indices showed obvious improvement after treatment with granules and decoction pieces of CHMs, and there were long range correlations between the comprehensive evaluation indices and interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

The principal CHM treatment methods for RA in four hospitals in Anhui Province are strengthening Pi and resolving dampness, activating blood and resolving stasis, dispelling wind/dampness and clearing heat. Granules and decoction pieces of CHMs have similar efficacy in improving immune-inflammatory indices in RA patients and could be used as treatment options for RA.

Pharmacotherapeutic considerations for systemic rheumatic diseases amid the COVID-19 pandemic: more questions than answers

Thus far, associations between the presence of systemic rheumatic disease and an increased risk of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) acquisition or a worse prognosis from COVID-19 have not been conclusive. It is not known for certain if there is an association between any pharmacological agent used for rheumatologic treatment, including biological and non-biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and an increased risk of COVID-19 acquisition or adverse outcomes from COVID-19, although these agents have been associated with an overall higher risk of infections. The pharmacological management of patients with a rheumatic disease without COVID-19 should currently follow usual treatment approaches. Individualized approaches to adjusting DMARD regimens in patients with documented COVID-19 seems prudent, with specific attention paid to the severity of the infection. Patients receiving antimalarials (hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine) may continue treatment with these agents. Treatment with sulfasalazine, methotrexate, leflunomide, immunosuppressants and biological agents other than interluekin-6 receptor inhibitors and JAK inhibitors should be stopped or withheld. It should be reasonable to resume DMARD treatment when patients are no longer symptomatic and at least 2 weeks after documentation of COVID-19, although the decision should be individualized, preferably based on infection severity.

Immunomodulatory Drugs in the Management of SARS-CoV-2

With the onset of the global pandemic in 2020 of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), there has been increasing research activity around certain disease-modifying drugs that are used for the management of inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthrosis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and inflammatory bowel disease for managing coronavirus symptoms. In the conditions mentioned, many people are on long-term treatment with agents including hydroxychloroquine, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) inhibitor drugs, other biologic agents such as monoclonal antibodies to IL-6 and Janus kinase inhibitors including baricitinib and tofacitinib, which are used to control inflammatory responses in their respective auto-immune condition. There is emerging data that immunomodulatory drugs could be protective at reducing certain features of SARS-CoV-2 and improving recovery. In addition, it is important to understand if subjects being treated with the immunomodulatory agents described have a less severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, as they are deemed some protection from their immunomodulatory treatment, or if they develop infections similar to non-immunocompromised patients. There is a huge unmet clinical need to advise patients responsibly about whether they should remain on their immunomodulatory treatment or not in light of Covid-19 infection. In this article we will discuss potential treatment options for SARS-CoV-2 using immunomodulatory drugs and at what stage of the condition they may be beneficial. Viable treatment options during the global coronavirus pandemic are a much-needed and an intensely active area of research.

Selectivity of Janus Kinase Inhibitors in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Other Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases: Is Expectation the Root of All Headache?

Janus kinase (JAK) is a signal transducer and activator of a protein transcription system that transduces signals from cell surface cytokine and growth factor receptors to the nucleus. Recently developed JAK inhibitors (JAKinibs) inhibit JAKs non-selectively or selectively and down-regulate the effects of corresponding ligands (i.e. cytokines and growth factors). JAKinibs are efficacious against rheumatoid arthritis and other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and are being increasingly prescribed clinically. Regarding safety, JAKinib use is associated with common or unique changes in laboratory parameters; however, incidence rates of serious adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with these changes are low. Opportunistic and other infections, including tuberculosis, are the most critical ADRs of treatment with JAKinibs, and screening and monitoring of patients should be carefully performed. Incidence rates of herpes zoster (HZ) in patients receiving JAKinibs are high in Japan and Korea, and modestly high in other countries. Filgotinib may not be associated with an elevated risk for HZ, but long-term safety data are lacking. Data from clinical development programmes and post-marketing surveillance have indicated no increased risk for malignancy or serious cardiac events; however, long-term observational studies are necessary. Despite the non-elevated risk of gastrointestinal perforations, patients with older age and/or a history of diverticulitis or receiving non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be carefully evaluated to determine the risk-benefit balance. The incidence rates of venous thromboembolism with all approved doses are similar to that expected in the population, although there are discrepancies in the placebo-controlled portion of the baricitinib clinical development programmes. Regulatory agencies in the USA and Europe suggested a higher risk for thrombotic events in patients receiving JAKinibs. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that dose adjustment should be considered for JAKinib use in patients with moderate-to-severe renal or hepatic dysfunction, depending on the metabolism of each drug. Long-term observational studies enrolling patients with diverse clinical backgrounds are required to strike a risk-benefit balance in clinical settings.

Targeting JAK-STAT Signaling to Control Cytokine Release Syndrome in COVID-19

Recent advances in the pathophysiologic understanding of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has indicated that patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) might experience cytokine release syndrome (CRS), characterized by increased interleukin (IL)-6, IL-2, IL-7, IL-10, etc. Therefore, the treatment of cytokine storm has been proposed as a critical part of rescuing severe COVID-19. Several of the cytokines involved in COVID-19 employ a distinct intracellular signaling pathway mediated by Janus kinases (JAKs). JAK inhibition, therefore, presents an attractive therapeutic strategy for CRS, which is a common cause of adverse clinical outcomes in COVID-19. Below, we review the possibilities and challenges of targeting the pathway in COVID-19.

Cytokine Storm in COVID-19: The Current Evidence and Treatment Strategies

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) is the pathogen that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As of 25 May 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 has caused 347,192 deaths around the world. The current evidence showed that severely ill patients tend to have a high concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6, compared to those who are moderately ill. The high level of cytokines also indicates a poor prognosis in COVID-19. Besides, excessive infiltration of pro-inflammatory cells, mainly involving macrophages and T-helper 17 cells, has been found in lung tissues of patients with COVID-19 by postmortem examination. Recently, increasing studies indicate that the "cytokine storm" may contribute to the mortality of COVID-19. Here, we summarize the clinical and pathologic features of the cytokine storm in COVID-19. Our review shows that SARS-Cov-2 selectively induces a high level of IL-6 and results in the exhaustion of lymphocytes. The current evidence indicates that tocilizumab, an IL-6 inhibitor, is relatively effective and safe. Besides, corticosteroids, programmed cell death protein (PD)-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibition, cytokine-adsorption devices, intravenous immunoglobulin, and antimalarial agents could be potentially useful and reliable approaches to counteract cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients.

BARICITINIB: NEW PHARMACOTHERAPY OPTIONS FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND OTHER IMMUNE-MEDIATED INFLAMMATORY RHEUMATIC DISEASES

Deciphering the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of immune-mediated inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IMIRDs) in conjunction with designing a wide range of biological agents is one of the major medical advances in the 21st century. A new promising area of pharmacotherapy for IMIRDs is associated with the design of the so-called targeted oral medications that primarily include Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. The review presents new data on the efficacy and safety of the new JAK inhibitor baricitinib in treating rheumatoid arthritis and other IMIRDs.

Management of Osteoarthritis During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The pandemic spread of the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection in China first, and all over the world at present, has become a global health emergency due to the rapidly increasing number of affected patients. Currently, a clear relationship between COVID‐19 infection incidence and/or complications due to chronic or occasional treatments for other pathologies is still not clear, albeit the COVID‐19 pandemic may condition the treatment strategy of complex disorders, such as osteoarthritis (OA). Importantly, OA is the most common age‐related joint disease, affecting more than 80% of people older than the age of 55, an age burden also shared with the highest severity in COVID‐19 patients. OA patients often show a large array of concomitant pathologies, such as diabetes, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases that are again shared with COVID‐19 patients and may therefore increase complications. Moreover, different OA treatments, such as NSAIDs, paracetamol, corticosteroids, opioids, or other molecules have a wide array of iatrogenic effects, potentially increasing COVID‐19 secondary infection incidence or complications. In this review we critically analyze the evidence on either negative or positive effects of drugs commonly used to manage OA in this particular scenario. This would provide orthopedic surgeons in particular, and physicians, pharmacologists, and clinicians in general, a comprehensive description about the safety of the current pharmacological approaches and a decision‐making tool to treat their OA patients as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

Nanomedicine for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that results in severe inflammatory microenvironments in the joint tissues. In clinics, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are generally prescribed to patients with RA, but their long-term use often shows toxicity in some organs such as the gastrointestinal system, skin, and kidneys and immunosuppression-mediated infection. Nanomedicine has emerged as a new therapeutic strategy to efficiently localize the drugs in inflamed joints for the treatment of RA. In this Review, we introduce recent research in the area of nanomedicine for the treatment of RA and discuss how the nanomedicine can be used to deliver therapeutic agents to the inflamed joints and manage the progression of RA, particularly focusing on targeted delivery, controlled drug release, and immune modulation.

Systematic review on tuberculosis risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving inhibitors of Janus Kinases

INTRODUCTION

Janus kinases inhibitors (anti-JAKs), including tofacitinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib, and filgotinib, represent a new class of synthetic targeted drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this review, the risk of active tuberculosis (TB) occurrence in patients receiving anti-JAKs was assessed. The literature on this topic, updated to 29 February 2020 was reviewed. Overall, 40 reports (22 tofacitinib, 10 baricitinib, 5 upadacitinib, 3 filgotinib) were examined. A low frequency, not exceeding 0.25%, of active TB cases in patients were exposed to anti-JAKs. Only 1 of 89 recorded cases in tofactinib and baricitinib exposure occurred in countries at intermediate or high TB risk, and most of the cases probably were due to first mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) exposure. Although no cases were observed in patients receiving upadacitinib and filgotinib, long-term trials and data from real-life are required to more precisely address the TB risk associated with the two drugs.

AREAS COVERED

Discussion on the TB risk associated with anti-JAKs, and on the need for accurate evaluation of host-related risk factors in high risk countries.

EXPERT OPINION

Available data on anti-JAKs suggest a negligible risk of active TB occurrence in low endemic areas.

A Synthetic Cell-Penetrating Heparin-Binding Peptide Derived from BMP4 with Anti-Inflammatory and Chondrogenic Functions for the Treatment of Arthritis

We report dual therapeutic effects of a synthetic heparin-binding peptide (HBP) corresponding to residues 15-24 of the heparin binding site in BMP4 in a collagen-induced rheumatic arthritis model (CIA) for the first time. The cell penetrating capacity of HBP led to improved cartilage recovery and anti-inflammatory effects via down-regulation of the iNOS-IFNγ-IL6 signaling pathway in inflamed RAW264.7 cells. Both arthritis and paw swelling scores were significantly improved following HBP injection into CIA model mice. Anti-rheumatic effects were accelerated upon combined treatment with Enbrel® and HBP. Serum IFNγ and IL6 concentrations were markedly reduced following intraperitoneal HBP injection in CIA mice. The anti-rheumatic effects of HBP in mice were similar to those of Enbrel®. Furthermore, the combination of Enbrel® and HBP induced similar anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory effects as Enbrel®. We further investigated the effect of HBP on damaged chondrocytes in CIA mice. Regenerative capacity of HBP was confirmed based on increased expression of chondrocyte biomarker genes, including aggrecan, collagen type II and TNFα, in adult human knee chondrocytes. These findings collectively support the utility of our cell-permeable bifunctional HBP with anti-inflammatory and chondrogenic properties as a potential source of therapeutic agents for degenerative inflammatory diseases.

Efficacy of pharmacological treatment in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic literature research informing the 2019 update of the EULAR recommendations for management of rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

To inform the 2019 update of the European League against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

A systematic literature research (SLR) to investigate the efficacy of any disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) (conventional synthetic (cs)DMARD, biological (b) and biosimilar DMARD, targeted synthetic (ts)DMARD) or glucocorticoid (GC) therapy in patients with RA was done by searching MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library for articles published between 2016 and 8 March 2019.

RESULTS

234 abstracts were selected for detailed assessment, with 136 finally included. They comprised the efficacy of bDMARDs versus placebo or other bDMARDs, efficacy of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors (JAKi) across different patient populations and head-to-head of different bDMARDs versus JAKi or other bDMARDs. Switching of bDMARDs to other bDMARDs or tsDMARDs, strategic trials and tapering studies of bDMARDs, csDMARDs and JAKi were assessed. The drugs evaluated included abatacept, adalimumab, ABT-122, baricitinib, certolizumab pegol, SBI-087, CNTO6785, decernotinib, etanercept, filgotinib, golimumab, GCs, GS-9876, guselkumab, hydroxychloroquine, infliximab, leflunomide, mavrilimumab, methotrexate, olokizumab, otilimab, peficitinib, rituximab, sarilumab, salazopyrine, secukinumab, sirukumab, tacrolimus, tocilizumab, tofacitinib, tregalizumab, upadacitinib, ustekinumab and vobarilizumab. The efficacy of many bDMARDs and tsDMARDs was shown. Switching to another tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) or non-TNFi bDMARDs after TNFi treatment failure is efficacious. Tapering of DMARDs is possible in patients achieving long-standing stringent clinical remission; in patients with residual disease activity (including patients in LDA) the risk of flares is increased during the tapering. Biosimilars are non-inferior to their reference products.

CONCLUSION

This SLR informed the task force regarding the evidence base of various therapeutic regimen for the development of the update of EULAR's RA management recommendation.

Infections in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Era of Targeted Synthetic Therapies

The third decade of the 21st century marks the beginning of a new era in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recently, after the introduction in clinical practice of different biologics in the first decade, three different oral synthetic targeted agents (JAK inhibitors) have been licensed for the treatment of RA, in patients who had failed or are intolerant to disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Despite the significant progress that these agents bring to the care of RA patients, the risk of infections is still present and clear, given that their risk for serious infections is at least comparable with that of biologic DMARDs, whereas the incidence of herpes zoster is higher than that of bDMARDs. Here, we review the most recent data regarding the risk for serious and opportunistic infections in RA patients treated with biologics or JAK inhibitors, as well the up-to-date approach for managing and preventing such infections in RA patients.

Prevalence of COVID-19 among patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases treated with biologic agents or small molecules: A population-based study in the first two months of COVID-19 outbreak in Italy

Objective

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease 2019 (COVID-19) among adult patients treated with biologic agents or small molecules for chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases, in particular for chronic inflammatory arthritides.

Methods

To this end, a population-based study, in the province of Udine (466,700 inhabitants, with age > 15 years old, Friuli Venezia Giulia region, Italy) was planned. The primary outcome was the prevalence of COVID-19 in the first two months of the outbreak. All the rheumatic patients treated with biologic agents or small molecules in the last 6 months in our province were included (N = 1051).

Results

From February 29 to April 25, 2020, 4 adult patients (4/1051, i.e. 3.8/1000, 95% Confidence Interval 1.5–9.7/1000) were registered as swab test positive by PCR for COVID-19. Overall, a total of 47/1051 (4.5%) cases were tested for COVID-19 by PCR in the same period, and 15 of them due to symptoms compatible with COVID-19. In the general population, the prevalence was 937 cases/466700 (2/1000, 95% Confidence Interval 1.9–2.1/1000, P-value = 0.33, chi square test), and 20,179/466,700 (4.3%) swab tests for COVID-19 were performed.

Conclusion

The risk of COVID-19 in rheumatic patients under biologic agents or small molecules does not appear different from that observed in the general population. Patients should be informed to safely proceed with their treatment and follow the rules for self-protection to COVID-19.

COVID-19 infection and rheumatoid arthritis: Faraway, so close!

The outbreak of the new coronavirus infections COVID-19 in December 2019 in China has quickly become a global health emergency. Given the lack of specific anti-viral therapies, the current management of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2) is mainly supportive, even though several compounds are now under investigation for the treatment of this life-threatening disease. COVID-19 pandemic is certainly conditioning the treatment strategy of a complex disorder as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), whose infectious risk is increased compared to the general population because of an overall impairment of immune system typical of autoimmune diseases combined with the iatrogenic effect generated by corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs. However, the increasing knowledge about the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection is leading to consider some anti-rheumatic drugs as potential treatment options for the management of COVID-19. In this review we will critically analyse the evidences on either positive or negative effect of drugs commonly used to treat RA in this particular scenario, in order to optimize the current approach to RA patients.

The off-label uses profile of tofacitinib in systemic rheumatic diseases

Tofacitinib is an oral, small molecule JAK inhibitor that targets JAK1/JAK3. Tofacitinib has been approved by the FDA to be used in the treatments of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis and ulcerative colitis. Considering the important pathogenic role of the JAK/STAT pathway in autoimmune disease, tofacitinib could be, theoretically, effective in the treatments of other systemic rheumatic diseases. Here we reviewed the published literature to profile the perspectives about the off-label uses of tofacitinib, especially in those refractory cases with poor response to conventional therapies or biologic agents. Tofacitinib can be a new therapeutic option and help reducing hormone dependence and correlated adverse events.

Peripheral Blood Lymphocyte Phenotype Differentiates Secondary Antibody Deficiency in Rheumatic Disease from Primary Antibody Deficiency

The phenotype of primary immunodeficiency disorders (PID), and especially common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), may be dominated by symptoms of autoimmune disorders. Furthermore, autoimmunity may be the first manifestation of PID, frequently preceding infections and the diagnosis of hypogammaglobulinemia, which occurs later on. In this case, distinguishing PID from hypogammaglobulinemia secondary to anti-inflammatory treatment of autoimmunity may become challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of peripheral blood lymphocyte phenotyping in resolving the diagnostic dilemma between primary and secondary hypogammaglobulinemia. Comparison of B and T cell subsets from patients with PID and patients with rheumatic disease, who developed hypogammaglobulinemia as a consequence of anti-inflammatory regimes, revealed significant differences in proportion of naïve B cells, class-switched memory B cells and CD21^low B cells among B cells as well as in CD4⁺ memory T cells and CD4⁺ T follicular cells among CD4⁺ T cells. Identified differences in B cell and T cell subsets, and especially in the proportion of class-switched memory B cells and CD4⁺ T follicular cells, display a considerable diagnostic efficacy in distinguishing PID from secondary hypogammaglobulinemia due to anti-inflammatory regimens for rheumatic disease.