Health economics: implications for novel antirheumatic therapies

This paper discusses the pkarmacoeconomics issues relating to the use of the newer therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), namely the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. Results of recent studies have provided some evidence regarding the cost effectiveness of these agents. However, as the use of TNF inhibitors evolves-including their use in other systemic inflammatory diseases-this will be influenced by several factors including treatment of patients with early RA, longer term treatment, problems related to toxicity, quality of life, productivity, and market forces. Thus, pharmacoeconomic considerations are likely to remain a central factor in the use of novel therapies in rheumatology, and awareness about these will aid clinicians to select the most favourable therapies for their patients with arthritis.