A novel treatment for psoriatic arthritis: Janus kinase inhibitors

Abstract

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of chronic inflammatory arthritis which is associated with psoriasis. The early recognition and treatment for PsA are of critical importance. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, as a kind of orally small molecules, have emerged as an encouraging class of drug in PsA treatment. This review provides a discussion of the role and current status of JAK inhibitors in the control of PsA. There are three JAK inhibitors approved for use in autoimmune diseases, for example, tofacitinib, baricitinib, and upadacitinib, and only tofacitinib has been approved in PsA treatment. The clinical trials of upadacitinib and filgotinib in PsA patients are undergoing. The efficacy and safety of these agents were briefly discussed. Although there are still issues in terms of their efficacy and safety currently, JAK inhibitors are expected to benefit more PsA patients in future.