Tofacitinib is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor used to treat rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. It is not recommended to be combined with biologic therapies or potent immunosuppressants like cyclosporine or azathioprine.
Medicince introduction including background, function, caution, etc.
Indication Tofacitinib is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of:
Rheumatoid Arthritis: in adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate. It may be used as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate or other non biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Psoriatic Arthritis: in adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate or other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Ulcerative Colitis: in adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC), who have had an inadequate response or who are intolerant to TNF blockers.
Side effects upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis, diarrhea, and headache.
Mechanisam of Action Tofacitinib is a partial and reversible janus kinase (JAK) inihibitor that will prevent the body from responding to cytokine signals. By inhibiting JAKs, tofacitinib prevents the phosphorylation and activation of STATs. The JAK-STAT signalling pathway is involved in the transcription of cells involved in hematopoiesis, and immune cell function. Tofacitinib works therapeutically by inhibiting the JAK-STAT pathway to decrease the inflammatory response. However, there is evidence to suggest that it may also achieve efficacy via other pathways as well.