Photo Source: Freepik
Researchers at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom investigated tofacitinib's effects on muscle mass in 15 RA patients who had not previously received JAK inhibitor therapy. Participants received the standard dose of 5 mg twice daily for six months.
Lower extremity MRI and muscle biopsies were performed at baseline and after treatment. Results showed an average 4% increase in leg muscle volume and 5% increase in thigh muscle volume. Concurrently, disease activity scores (measured by DAS28) decreased. Serum creatinine levels rose slightly, which researchers suggest may reflect increased muscle metabolic activity.
If these findings are confirmed through larger clinical trials, tofacitinib could serve as a dual-purpose therapy—treating not only arthritis but also preventing sarcopenia, a condition that frequently accompanies other chronic inflammatory diseases. Research indicates that sarcopenia occurs in at least 25% of rheumatoid arthritis cases.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 18 million people worldwide are living with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, including at least 4.76 million in China.
In Russia, comprehensive rheumatoid arthritis treatment is available, including tofacitinib therapy. Both the original Jakvinus from Pfizer and generic versions are registered and accessible. Key medical institutions include: for adult and pediatric patients, the V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology; for pediatric patients, the National Medical Research Center for Children's Health and the Sechenov University Clinic.
Source: The Lancet Rheumatology