EULAR: Expanding Research in Intracellular Signalling

Promising Data in RA with Small-molecule Inhibitors

In RA they demonstrated efficacy in reducing signs and symptoms of disease and acceptable tolerability. An advantage of the small-molecule agents over the traditional and available biologics, such as inhibitors of TNF’s and interleukin-6 receptors, is that they can be taken orally. The most advanced agents target the Janus kinase (JAK) and spleen kinase (SYK) pathways. It is not yet clear whether their activity is greater or more specific for the types of inflammation that drives processes such as RA, psoriasis or inflammatory bowel diseases, but the clinical activity demonstrated so far provides a proof of principle that intracellular signals can be targeted therapeutically. Progress in this area promises a more detailed understanding of autoimmune processes.