Summary

This article discusses studies of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. JAK inhibitors have short half-lives and can be administered orally once or twice daily. As of 2012, more than 50 clinical trials of JAK inhibitors have been completed or are ongoing. Also reviewed is the role of new orally bioavailable kinase inhibitors in the treatment of RA, and whether therapy will be influenced by their efficacy, safety profile, cost, and ability to be used with RA-related medications.