Summary

The protein fragments that are generated from metalloproteinase (MMP)-mediated protein destruction are known as neoepitopes, which serve as biomarkers of inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of Randomized, Double-Blind Study of Safety and Prevention of Structural Joint Damage During Treatment With Tocilizumab Versus Placebo, in Combination With Methotrexate, in Patients With Moderate to Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis study [LITHE; NCT00106535] was to identify biomarker profiles that are associated with early response to tocilizumab in patients with RA, using neoepitope markers.