In double-blind studies, 2-year efficacy outcomes were significantly improved with first-line TNFi versus other treatment strategies in patients with MTX-naïve RA.
In the second Computer-Assisted Management in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis trial, patients had started with methotrexate and 10 mg prednisone (MTX+pred) or placebo (MTX+plac).
In patients with RA who had an inadequate response to MTX, the MBDA score categories were differentially associated with response to subsequent therapies.
However, there were no clinically meaningful differences between the standard and reduced frequency doses of CZP plus MTX; both controlled RA more effectively than stopping CZP.