Abstract
The advent of the era of biological therapy has dramatically changed the prognosis and quality of life of patients with severe forms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Biologic drugs used in the treatment of RA can be divided into three groups according to the mechanism of action: cytokine blockers, drugs affecting T and B lymphocytes and small molecular inhibitors of signal transduction.
Currently in the Czech Republic, there are five TNF inhibitors registered (infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept, golimumab, certolizumab pegol), furthermore, interleukin-6 receptor blocker tocilizumab, and finally drugs affecting T and B lymphocytes (abatacept, rituximab). This work aims to give a brief characterization of the various products that are currently used in clinical practice in the treatment of RA.