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Highlighted areas affected by rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease primarily of the hands and joints that affects more than 21 million adults worldwide

Areas affected by rheumatoid arthritis

One of the goals of effective rheumatoid arthritis treatment is the prevention of structural damage to joints. For the first time, a B cell targeted therapy has shown inhibition of disease progression in a patient population never studied before.

Keystone EC et al. Prevention of joint structural damage at 1 year with rituximab in rheumatoid arthritis patients with an inadequate response to one or more TNF inhibitors (REFLEX Study). Abstract at EULAR 2006

Role of B cells in the inflammation process

B cells play a key role in the chain of inflammatory events that ultimately lead to the damage of bone and cartilage in the joints

Silverman GJ et al. Arthritis Res Ther 2003;5(Suppl 4):S1–S6; Duddy ME et al. J Immunol 2004;172:3422–3427; Lund FE et al. Curr Dir Autoimmun 2005;8:25–54

Rituximab selectively targets B cells

Selective B cell therapy by rituximab inhibits the inflammatory process of rheumatoid arthritis.

Shaw T et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2003;62(Suppl 2):55–59

Rituximab binds to cell-surface marker CD20

Rituximab binds specifically to a subpopulation of B cells and does not compromise the immune system.

Moreland LW et al. Safety of rituximab in rheumatoid arthritis: results of a pooled analysis. Abstract at EULAR 2006

Lasting reduction in the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

Subsequent courses with rituximab in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis can lead to continued improvement in symptoms and enhanced improvements to patients’ mental and physical health.

Tak PP et al. Repeat treatment with rituximab improves physical function and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and an inadequate response to TNF inhibitors. Abstract at EULAR 2006