What is the evidence for biologic switching in JIA?

Randomised controlled trial for guidance needed, say UK researchers
Lydia Hales
12-year old boy, sad face

If a first biological DMARD is not helpful for patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), switching to a different class will not necessarily make a clinical difference, researchers say.

The study, led by the University of Manchester, UK, analysed data from 1152 patients aged 16 and under who were enrolled in two parallel UK cohort studies recruiting from 2004 to 2019, with biologic switching patterns analysed in patients from 2010.