One of the most frustrating aspects of rheumatoid arthritis is that there is no cure for the condition as of yet. Scientists and doctors continue to do research on what causes the painful joint inflammation, and what can be done to cure it. In the meantime, those who are affected must manage and treat their arthritis with various drugs.

Experts are also working the development of several new drugs for rheumatoid arthritis. The drug that is being developed will allow rheumatoid arthritis to be treated more efficiently at an earlier stage, and with fewer side effects.

Immune System Drugs

One of the main discoveries that scientists have made in recent years is the connection between the immune system and rheumatoid arthritis. Certain parts of the immune system protect from inflammation and joint damage; thus, by creating a new rheumatoid arthritis drug that focuses on these areas, symptoms could be reduced.

New rheumatoid arthritis drugs that focus on the immune system are known as biological response modifiers. Some potential biological response modifiers that would address rheumatoid arthritis include: new TNF-alpha inhibitors, drugs that prevent B-cells from causing inflammation, drugs that block protein signals that cause inflammation, and drugs that prevent inflammatory proteins from being developed.

Drugs With A Dual Purpose

Other new rheumatoid arthritis drugs being considered are those that are already approved for other conditions. Some of these drugs have been shown to control inflammation in the body. Antibiotics such as doxycycline and minocycline are currently being studied for this purpose. Others include: tacrolimus, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and drugs that prevent bone loss.

Gene Therapy Drugs

Gene therapy involves the development of new rheumatoid arthritis drugs that would instruct specific cells in the body to create more substances that protect against joint inflammation. Other gene therapy drugs might instruct certain cells to produce less of a substance that is causing the inflammation. This research is far away from being implemented, and scientists are still in the early stages of this potential new treatment.

Worth The Wait

Although these new rheumatoid arthritis drugs are still in the early stages of development, the efficiency that they will contribute to the treatment of the condition is invaluable. For those people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, the relief of experiencing earlier treatment with fewer side effects is nearly immeasurable. When these new rheumatoid arthritis drugs finally do make a public appearance, they will have been worth the wait.