Five TNF inhibitors, five biologics with alternative mechanisms of action, and two JAK inhibitors are approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the EU5 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom). The TNF inhibitors are the most widely prescribed biologics in RA patients refractory to conventional DMARDs owing to their efficacy, postmarketing safety data, and physicians’ familiarity with them. However, the high-priced, branded TNF inhibitors face a competitive threat from the launch of biosimilars, including biosimilar infliximab, biosimilar etanercept, and biosimilar rituximab, which provide cost-effective alternatives. In addition, the newlylaunched oral JAK inhibitors are poised to take market share away from biological injections. The Rheumatoid Arthritis Current Treatment (EU5) content provides in-depth analysis of rheumatologists’ treatment and prescribing practices in the crowded RA market, including drivers of treatment selection, obstacles to biologics use, analysis of patient share, and anticipated changes in drug usage.
Table of contents
- Rheumatoid Arthritis - Current Treatment - Detailed, Expanded Analysis (EU5)
Author(s): Hailing Yang, PhD

Hailing Yang, Ph.D., is an analyst on the Immune and Inflammatory research team at Decision Resources Group, focusing primarily on psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. In this role, he conducts primary research via interviews/surveys with medical experts and write market analysis deliverables designed for key decision-makers within the biopharmaceutical industry.
Prior to joining DRG, Dr. Yang worked at Selecta Biosciences and Bioss USA Antibodies as a consultant. He studied brain cancer and received a Ph.D. from Tufts University, where he held an executive role for Tufts New England Case Competition. Dr. Yang earned a B.S. from Wuhan University in China.