JAK inhibitors are a newer class of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) used to treat RA. Unlike biologics, which require injections or infusions, JAK inhibitors come as pills or tablets taken by mouth — which is a nice bonus for anyone who's not a fan of needles!
They work by targeting overactive JAK proteins Show Full Answer
JAK inhibitors are a newer class of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) used to treat RA. Unlike biologics, which require injections or infusions, JAK inhibitors come as pills or tablets taken by mouth — which is a nice bonus for anyone who's not a fan of needles!
They work by targeting overactive JAK proteins in your cells. In RA, these proteins don't switch off naturally, creating a loop of inflammation that causes the immune system to attack healthy joint tissue. JAK inhibitors break that cycle by binding to the JAK proteins and disrupting the signal that keeps inflammation going. The FDA has approved three JAK inhibitors for RA:
- Xeljanz (tofacitinib) – targets JAK1, JAK2, and JAK3; taken once or twice daily; typically for those who didn't respond well to methotrexate
- Olumiant (baricitinib) – targets JAK1 and JAK2; taken once daily; usually for those who didn't respond well to TNF inhibitors like Humira or Enbrel
- Rinvoq (upadacitinib) – targets JAK1; taken once daily; for those who don't tolerate or respond to methotrexate
These medications have been shown to slow joint damage and improve RA symptoms. Always speak with your rheumatologist about whether a JAK inhibitor is right for you, as they do carry potential risks and side effects worth discussing.
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How Do JAK Inhibitors Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis?
July 30
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