Pfizer drug may offer hope for rheumatoid arthritis patients

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with active, progressive disease will be happy to learn that a needle-free treatment option may be available in the near future. Pfizer’s oral medication tofacitinib has made it through Phase III clinical trials. The drug inhibits a family of enzymes known as Janus kinases (JAK), which are involved in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Pfizer also hopes to use the drug for other conditions such as psoriasis

ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross believes this is a hopeful sign for both the approximatey two million rheumatoid arthritis patients in the U.S. and for Pfizer. “Except for methotrexate, which is not in the same class, it is the first oral immunomodulator drug option for RA patients, and as such can be safely and painlessly be taken at home.”