Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be a debilitating disease and affects over a million people. When your body’s immune system attacks itself, you can experience symptoms ranging from minor aches and pain to permanent tissue damage impacting your quality of life.
Many patients suffer in silence because there are limited treatment options. However, you don’t need to live this way.
You can have your life back.
Medications and supportive treatments like physiotherapy can help you manage this chronic disease. There are also new treatment options that may provide relief.
Explore the latest treatments for rheumatoid arthritis to consider for your future treatment plan so you can regain control over symptoms and enjoyment from life.
3 of the Latest Treatments for Rheumatology Arthritis
Most of the latest research for treating RA is in the trial phase. However, multiple options are showing promise.
Learn about the latest results and potential implications for rheumatoid arthritis.
1. Peresolimab
Eli Lilly and Company is conducting a phase 2a study on peresolimab as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
Peresolimab is an antibody that helps stimulate the immune system. It prevents T cell activation, which limits your immune system response.
This treatment is still in the trial phase but is showing some promise. One trial had 98 participants. The participants had either limited or no response to previous therapies. Researchers divided the group into three smaller groups. Each group received a different dosage of peresolimab or a placebo every four weeks.
After 12 weeks, the group receiving 700 mg of peresolimab had a much more significant change than the placebo group.
Adverse reactions were mild.
2. Biodegradable Polymer System
Engineers at the University of California San Diego are working on a biodegradable polymer system to modify the immune system. It builds on research already present in cancer treatment trials and autoimmune diseases. The system works alongside the immune system. It modifies disease-causing cells into healthy cells, called regulatory T cells.
Those healthy cells then work to find and stop the disease from spreading.
To administer the treatment, patients receive an injection of ATRA into their affected joints.
The FDA has already approved ATRA treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia.
A benefit to this system is that it doesn’t suppress the immune system, often making the patient more susceptible to other diseases. Instead, it boosts the immune system to avoid needing multiple treatments.
Initial mouse and cell trials are complete.
Now they are working toward approval for human trials.
3. Liposome Nanoparticles
Researchers at the University of Queensland used liposome nanoparticles in an immunotherapy drug to treat rheumatoid arthritis. The nanoparticles contain peptide antigens, which you can find naturally in your joint tissue. It acts as an immune modulatory drug.
The drug aims to “reset” the immune system by targeting affected cells and restoring their health.
During the latest trial, 17 people received between one and three doses of the drug.
Half of the participants were in remission within eight weeks.
What Comes Next for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
New possible treatments for RA take time, often years before you see them on the market.
Treatments can take anywhere from 10 to 15 years to complete the required three clinical trial phases before receiving a license. This timeframe varies widely.
Since most of the treatments we discussed are already in trial stages, you might see them on the market within five years if they pass trials, or you can look for trials that you qualify to join.
In the meantime, therapies and relief are available, from drugs to at-home treatment, like hot tub therapy.
Even if you can’t receive these new treatment options today, there is hope that treatment will be available.
Manage Your RA Symptoms at Southwest Florida Rheumatology
RA doesn’t have to control your life. We help give patients power back so they can enjoy daily activities with minimal pain.
We always stay on top of the latest advancements and rheumatoid arthritis treatment options, so you receive the best care.
Schedule your appointment to find a treatment option for managing your symptoms.