To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of biologics in inhibiting radiographic progression among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.
Bayesian network meta-analysis of published trials investigating the USA FDA approved biologics treatment in RA patients, using methotrexate (MTX) as the reference comparator.
Nine trials met the inclusion criteria for base case analysis. Compared with MTX, most biologics (except golimumab) + MTX had significantly lower rates of radiographic progression at 1 year. Mean difference in radiographic progression rates between MTX monotherapy and biologics + MTX was highest for adalimumab + MTX (-3.8) and lowest for tocilizumab + MTX (-0.7). Inhibition of radiographic progression was sustained.
Biologics inhibit radiographic progression in patients with RA at 1 year; however, published evidence beyond 1 year is limited.