JAK Monotherapy Shows Efficacy in RA Review

To evaluate the efficacy of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) monotherapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared to methotrexate or placebo.

JAKi monotherapy showed improved clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes compared to methotrexate or placebo.
Upadacitinib monotherapy achieved higher ACR 50% response rates at week 12 compared to methotrexate in methotrexate-naive patients.
Baricitinib monotherapy demonstrated higher ACR 20% response rates compared to placebo.
Filgotinib showed efficacy as both monotherapy and in combination therapy, with favorable outcomes compared to methotrexate alone.

Variability in trial design, populations, treatment regimens, follow-up duration, and outcome measures.
Most studies did not directly compare JAKi monotherapy with combination therapy.
Older patients and those with elevated cardiovascular risk were underrepresented.
Most trials were industry-sponsored, potentially introducing reporting bias.