RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: NEW TREATMENT APPROACHES - A COMPARATIVE EVIDENCE REVIEW

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that has undergone a therapeutic revolution over the past two decades. Conventional synthetic DMARDs remain foundational, but the introduction of biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDs has transformed outcomes. This article reviews pivotal randomized controlled trials, comparative efficacy and safety data, and evolving treatment algorithms. Quantitative comparisons including absolute risk reduction (ARR), relative risk (RR), and number needed to treat (NNT) are provided for head-to-head studies, alongside safety analyses from ORAL Surveillance and regulatory guidance. A treat -to-target approach, precision medicine, and risk stratification remain essential for optimizing outcomes in 2025 and beyond.