To compare trends in the use of targeted disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), between Korea and Australia.
Using sampled claims databases in Korea and Australia (2010 - 2018), we analyzed the trends in the use of individual targeted DMARDs (biologic and targeted synthetic) for RA in both countries.
The use of targeted DMARDs for the management of RA showed an increase of over 200 and 300% in Australia and Korea, respectively. The tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFis) etanercept and adalimumab were the most commonly prescribed drugs in 2010 in both countries, with non-TNFi use increasing over the study period. The introduction of tofacitinib in 2015 led to 10 and 15% market share uptake in Korea and Australia, respectively.
Trends in the use of targeted DMARDs for RA were similar in Korea and Australia, and the use of non-TNFis, including tofacitinib, increased in both countries.