Over the past year, biologic response modifiers – drugs that target specific products of the immune system – have continued to gain momentum as treatment for inflammatory arthritis. In February 2006, rituximab (Rituxan; a medication already approved for use in cancer treatment) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in RA. Likewise, in August 2006, adalimumab (Humira), which was previously approved for RA treatment, was approved for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. Along with these new indication approvals, a great deal of research has been released throughout the year on biologic drugs’ safety, effectiveness and best use.

These studies can be grouped into two main categories: combination therapy and use of biologics in children. Although individual studies found slightly different results, the overall conclusion is that a combination of a biologic agent plus the disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) methotrexate is safe and more beneficial than taking either drug alone. However, combining two biologic agents increases the risk of a serious adverse event – particularly infection – without increasing the benefit enough to make the risk worthwhile. All of the biologics tested in children with juvenile arthritis were found to be safe and effective. Furthermore, the use of biologics holds the potential of inducing remission for these children.