Transition of clinical remission rates with molecular targeted therapies in rheumatoid arthritis in Japan: insights from the FIRST registry
Authors' conclusion
Despite advancements in treatment and early intervention strategies, the clinical remission rate for RA has not shown consistent improvement. Factors contributing to this include reduced use of MTX.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with RA starting b/tsDMARDs, FIRST registry, Japan, 2003–2022
- Participants
- 2,916 patients
- Outcome
- CDAI clinical remission rate 1 year after b/tsDMARD initiation, by biennial period
- Follow-up
- 1 year
Methodological detailsFIRST registry, biennial analysis 2003–2022, multivariate analysis
- FIRST registry
- Biennial analysis 2003–2022
- Multivariate analysis
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
CDAI remission rate over time
- Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) remission rate rose consistently from 2003 to 2013, then declined after peaking in 2013
- By 2021, returned to the level observed in 2009
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Factors associated with CDAI remission after 1 year (multivariate analysis)
- MTX ≥10 mg/week
- No concomitant GC use
- Low disease activity
- Low HAQ-DI score
- Use of JAKi
Trends in patient profile and treatment
- Increase in average age, earlier b/tsDMARD initiation, variable concomitant MTX use
- Since 2011, MTX use declined alongside rising average serum creatinine
- JAKi use rapidly decreased since 2021
Original publication
Transition of clinical remission rates with molecular targeted therapies in rheumatoid arthritis in Japan: insights from the FIRST registry. Rheumatology (Oxford). Published 13 May 2025. doi:10.
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