Rheumatoid Arthritis – Global Clinical Trial Landscape

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease, causes joint pain and swelling, potentially leading to work disability in half of cases within 10 years and reducing life expectancy by approximately 12 years if untreated. Predominantly affecting women and emerging between ages 60 and 70, RA's management involves medications, particularly Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate, to control symptoms and prevent joint damage. Targeted therapies such as TNF inhibitors and JAK inhibitors are recommended for moderate to severe cases or when DMARDs are not tolerated.

Globally, RA affects 1% of the population, with East and South Asia having the highest prevalence. By 2020, global cases reached 17.6 million, with projections indicating a surge to 31.7 million by 2050. Clinical trials for RA treatment have surged since 2018, led by Mainland China, South Korea, and the United States. Companies like AbbVie and Amgen produce drugs such as Humira and Enbrel, targeting TNF alpha, JAK, and IL-6 pathways. Ongoing research focuses on biosimilars, small molecules, and fusion proteins, promising advancements in RA treatment.

While RA presents a substantial global health challenge, see how evolving therapies and research efforts offer hope for improved outcomes and better management of this debilitating condition.