Response of ultrasound-assessed synovitis to baricitinib, in monotherapy and combined with methotrexate, compared with etanercept in rheumatoid arthritis: a randomised, international, multicentre trial
Authors' conclusion
The response of ultrasound-assessed synovitis to baricitinib, alone or in combination with MTX, was noninferior to that of etanercept with MTX.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inadequate response to methotrexate (MTX)109 women and 41 men
- Participants
- 150 adults
- Comparison
- Baricitinib monotherapy and baricitinib plus MTX vs etanercept plus MTX
- Primary endpoint
- Change in GLOESS (EULAR-OMERACT Synovitis Score) for bilateral wrist and metacarpophalangeal joints
- Follow-up
- Week 12
Methodological detailsactive-controlled, international, multicentre, phase IV, noninferiority, 3 parallel groups
- Active-controlled
- International
- Multicentre
- Phase IV
- Noninferiority
- 3 parallel groups
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Change in GLOESS
- Baricitinib monotherapy vs Etanercept plus MTX: P < 0.050
- Baricitinib plus MTX vs Etanercept plus MTX: P < 0.050
- Noninferiority margin: lower limit defined as 80% of changes observed in the etanercept plus MTX group
Further findings
All clinical and ultrasound variables · from week 4
- Significant improvement across the 3 treatment arms
- P < 0.050
Serum metalloprotease-3 concentration · 24 weeks
- Changes significantly correlated with changes in all ultrasound scores
Original publication
Response of ultrasound-assessed synovitis to baricitinib, in monotherapy and combined with methotrexate, compared with etanercept in rheumatoid arthritis: a randomised, international, multicentre trial. Ann Rheum Dis. Published 23 April 2026. doi:10.
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