Healthcare utilization and costs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using biologics or tofacitinib: a nationwide, population-based study - Report - MDSpire

Healthcare utilization and costs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using biologics or tofacitinib: a nationwide, population-based study

  • By

  • Yen-Ju Chen

  • Wei-Li Ho

  • Hsian-Min Chen

  • Yi-Ming Chen

  • Hsin-Hua Chen

  • June 22, 2026

  • 0 min

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Utilization of Healthcare Resources and Associated Costs in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Treated with Biologics or Tofacitinib

Overview

This nationwide analysis evaluates healthcare utilization and costs associated with rheumatoid arthritis patients in Taiwan treated with biologics or tofacitinib.

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory disease that leads to joint damage and increased healthcare costs. The introduction of biologic agents has transformed RA management, yet the economic impact and resource utilization patterns remain underexplored, particularly in Taiwan's unique healthcare system.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the provided material.

Key Findings

  • RA is a chronic disease with a prevalence of 0.3 to 1% globally, more common in females.
  • Biologics have improved clinical outcomes in RA patients, but their high costs raise concerns for healthcare systems.
  • In Taiwan, RA patients can access biologics without additional payment after failing two csDMARDs.
  • There is a lack of comprehensive evaluation of healthcare resource utilization patterns for RA patients treated with various biologics and tofacitinib.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware of the rising costs associated with biologic treatments for RA and the potential for reduced overall healthcare expenditures due to decreased hospitalization rates. Policymakers need to consider these factors when developing strategies for RA management within the healthcare system.

Conclusion

This study evaluates healthcare resource utilization and costs in RA patients receiving biologic therapies.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Drugs - Real World Outcomes, 2015 -- Analysis of Healthcare Expenses in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Transitioning to Infused Biologics Following Prior Biologic Therapy
  2. Drugs - Real World Outcomes, 2016 -- Evaluating the Cost of Biologic Treatments per Patient Across Various Conditions in Adult Managed Care Populations in the US: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
  3. Clinical Rheumatology, 2020 -- Evaluation of Healthcare Resource Utilization Among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Receiving Biological DMARDs or Tofacitinib
  4. Clinical Rheumatology, 2013 -- Evaluating the Efficacy of Tofacitinib, a New Janus Kinase Inhibitor, for Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  5. EULAR recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis with synthetic and biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: 2025 update - ScienceDirect
  6. 2021 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis - Fraenkel - 2021 - Arthritis & Rheumatology - Wiley Online Library
  7. Cardiovascular and Cancer Risk with Tofacitinib in Rheumatoid Arthritis | New England Journal of Medicine
  8. Comparative effectiveness and safety of tofacitinib vs. adalimumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed
  9. EULAR recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis with synthetic and biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: 2025 update - ScienceDirect
  10. 2021 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis - Fraenkel - 2021 - Arthritis & Rheumatology - Wiley Online Library
  11. Cardiovascular and Cancer Risk with Tofacitinib in Rheumatoid Arthritis | New England Journal of Medicine
  12. Comparative effectiveness and safety of tofacitinib vs. adalimumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed

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