Baricitinib Effective for Polymyalgia Rheumatica Without Steroids

[YorkieShowBreed]

Baricitinib Effective for Polymyalgia Rheumatica Without Steroids

January 23, 2025

A small, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 34 patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) found that baricitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, effectively reduced symptoms without the use of oral glucocorticoids. At week 12, 78% of patients on baricitinib achieved a C-reactive protein PMR activity score of 10 or less, compared with 13% in the placebo group. The trial, named BACHELOR, highlights the potential for glucocorticoid-sparing treatments in PMR, addressing the need for alternatives due to the side effects and relapse rates associated with long-term steroid use. These findings emphasize the need for further research into steroid-sparing strategies for PMR, particularly for patients who are intolerant to steroids or have comorbidities that complicate steroid use. The study was funded by Eli Lilly and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Brest.

The Takeaway:Baricitinib offers a steroid-free option for managing polymyalgia rheumatica.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Post on same subject from a few days agin-

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

But don’t hold your breath..certainly for those in UK. 😊

[Bedwell]

how very interesting! Thank goodness the option has been addressed at last. Not for me.. I don’t think!!!! But anything to avoid the symptoms of steroids.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

As DL says, posted about the other day so there is some discussion there.

I think the "steroid-free option for managing polymyalgia rheumatica" is a bit optimistic. JAK-inhibitors probably don't work on all the mechanisms for inflammation - not sure, would have to check with a rheumy,

What is pretty certain is that it is unlikely that NICE will approve it for PMR without a lot more evidence. I suspect it may be more expensive than tocilizumab is now (the price is falling since it is out of patent and bio-similars are appearing).

[piglette]

”These findings emphasize the need for further research into steroid-sparing strategies for PMR”

How many times have I read that in the past. We are still waiting!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

Well when they DO do research it produces highly expensive options that few healthcare systems could afford to offer everyone with PMR!!

[piglette in reply to PMRpro]

U.K. will definitely not be the place to try and sell the drugs nowadays!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

You can say that again!!!