A novel approach in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: Janus kinase inhibitors.

ABSTRACT

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are a new class of drugs that inhibit JAK enzymes, which are the main signal transducers for the majority of cytokines, growth factors, and interferons. These drugs work from inside the cell and are unique in a way that their action interrupts the signaling involved in the infl ammation. They include drugs like ruxolitinib, tofacitinib, both of which have been US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) approved, and many others which are currently under trials. Tofacitinib was approved by USFDA in November 2012 for oral use in patients suffering with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis and do not respond to methotrexate.