Higher BMI Weakens JAK Inhibitor Response
A meta-analysis of clinical trials indicates that higher BMI significantly reduces the effectiveness of JAK inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study suggests that obesity acts as a modifier of treatment response rather than just a marker for poor prognosis.
Why it matters
These findings may influence clinical guidelines for prescribing JAK inhibitors to patients with varying body mass indices.
AN INDIVIDUAL patient data meta-analysis has revealed that higher BMI significantly reduces the effectiveness of JAK inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis, with obesity acting as a true modifier of treatment response rather than simply a marker of worse prognosis.
Obesity has been recognised as common among patients with rheumatoid arthritis and has been associated with poorer disease outcomes. Previous pooled analyses have suggested that JAK inhibitor efficacy is broadly maintained across standard body mass index categories, although these studies have not formally tested whether body mass index modifies treatment effect versus placebo.
Researchers conducted an individual patient data meta-analysis of phase 3 randomised trials of tofacitinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib, and filgotinib in adults with rheumatoid arthritis, identified via ClinicalTrials.gov and obtained through the Vivli data-sharing platform.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in