Key clinical point: Monotherapy or combination therapy with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) and interleukin-6 receptor inhibitors (IL-6Ri) led to similar clinical outcomes in biologic/targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (b/tsDMARD)-experienced patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Major finding: Over 6 months, TNFi and IL-6Ri monotherapies were associated with comparable odds of achieving Clinical Disease Activity Index-based low disease activity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.99; 95% CI 0.59-1.67) and ≥0.22-unit improvement in Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (aOR 1.13; 95% CI 0.72-1.77), with results being similar with combination therapy.
Study details: This retrospective observational study included 2739 b/tsDMARD-experienced patients with RA and moderate or high disease activity who initiated TNFi or IL-6Ri monotherapy or combination therapy.
Disclosures: The registry was sponsored by CorEvitas, LLC, and this analysis was funded by Sanofi and Regeneron. Seven authors declared being current or former employees or owning stocks, stock options, or patents of Sanofi or CorEvitas, LLC. Several authors reported ties with Sanofi, Regeneron, and other sources.
Source: Sebba A et al. Comparative effectiveness of TNF inhibitor vs IL-6 receptor inhibitor as monotherapy or combination therapy with methotrexate in biologic-experienced patients with rheumatoid arthritis: An analysis from the CorEvitas RA Registry. Clin Rheumatol. 2023 (Apr 15). Doi: 10.1007/s10067-023-06588-7