JAK Inhibitors in Giant Cell Arteritis Save
![](/sites/default/files/styles/876_494/public/2022-12/GCA.temporal.woman_.jpg)
Trials are underway evaluating the potential benefits of JAK inhibitors (JAKi) in giant cell arteritis (GCA) patients who are refractory to standards of care. An observational real-world analysis of a small worldwide cohort suggests the utility of JAKi in GCA.
This retrospective analysis included 35 GCA patients from thirteen centers in Spain and one center in United States (2017-2022). Their mean age was 72 years and 86% were women. Nearly two-thirds (63%) had received conventional synthetic immunosuppressants (e.g., methotrexate), and 30 (86%) biologics (e.g., tocilizumab). These 35 GCA patients were treated with standard doses of JAKi (baricitinib, n = 15; tofacitinib, n = 10; upadacitinib, n = 10).
After a medianof 11 months follow-up, 20 (57%) achieved and maintained clinical remission, 16 (46%) patients achieved and maintained complete remission, and 15 (43%) patients discontinued the initial JAKi due to relapse (n = 11 [31%]) or serious adverse events (n = 4 [11%]).
A review of the literature identified another 36 JAKi-treated GCA cases with clinical improvement reported for the majority.
This observational analysis suggest that JAKi may be effective in GCA.
If you are a health practitioner, you may Login/Register to comment.
Due to the nature of these comment forums, only health practitioners are allowed to comment at this time.