Researchers find that patients do not receive medication for arthritis

Scientists at the University of Manchester have discovered that arthritis medications for patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis should be administered to moderately affected patients to prevent high rates of disability.

A study by Dr. James Gwinnutt reveals that some patients with rheumatoid arthritis who do not qualify for biologic treatments on the NHS have high rates of disability caused by this disease. It is published in the journal PLOS ONE.

The research, funded by Versus Arthritis, is part of the MODRAS study (moderate disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis) led by Dr. Suzanne Verstappen of the University of Manchester.

Organic products are genetically modified compounds that act on our immune system to reduce inflammation.

They have revolutionized the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis since their introduction in the late 1990s.

Based on data from 1,274 patients of the British Society for Rheumatology Biologics Register – Rheumatoid Arthritis, the team reviewed 3-year disability scores of patients with moderate disease activity receiving conventional treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.

The BSRBR-RA study, including Chief Professor Kimme Hyrich, included researchers from Manchester University and King's College London.

The data revealed that over three years, some people with moderate disease who did not meet the NHS criteria for biologic therapy had very high disability rates.

Previous randomized trials evaluated by the team also showed that the treatments could help patients with moderate activity of the disease.

The NHS is currently using a disease activity score to badess whether a patient is eligible for treatment with biological therapy. The measurement incorporates tender and swollen joint counts, a blood test for inflammation, and badessment of the disease by the patient.

Only patients with a score above 5.1 and having failed two conventional therapies can currently only receive treatment with biologics.

Dr. James Gwinnutt, Principal Investigator, said:

"Our study showed that there is a clear gap between the disability levels that some patients endure and the criteria by which the NHS measures their eligibility for biologic treatments.

"This research seems to suggest that this group of patients with moderate rheumatoid arthritis should be entitled to the biological treatments that other people undergo.

"Better access to these effective drugs could potentially improve the lives of these populations."

Suzanne Verstappen said:

"In many countries, patients with moderate-activity rheumatoid arthritis are successfully treated with biologics.

"This study shows that there are groups of patients with moderate activity, whose course of the disease is poor and who could benefit from more aggressive management of the disease, including treatment. by organic products. "