Baricitinib

Baricitinib is a small molecule Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that works by selectively inhibiting JAK1 and JAK2, key enzymes involved in the signaling pathways of multiple cytokines implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In rheumatology, baricitinib is primarily used for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults who have not responded adequately to, or are intolerant of, methotrexate or other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

The main indications of baricitinib in rheumatology include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis: Baricitinib is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adults, either as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate or other non-biologic DMARDs, in patients who have had an inadequate response to one or more DMARDs.

Baricitinib has been shown to reduce the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, improve physical function, and inhibit structural joint damage. It is administered orally, typically once daily, and is available in tablet form.

Baricitinib is also being investigated for the treatment of other autoimmune diseases such as psoriatic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but as of now, its primary use in rheumatology remains for rheumatoid arthritis. As with other JAK inhibitors, baricitinib carries warnings regarding serious infections, malignancies, and thrombosis, so its use should be carefully monitored by a rheumatologist or other qualified healthcare provider. Regular monitoring of blood counts, liver function tests, and lipid levels is recommended during treatment with baricitinib.