For more than a decade, Janssen has been providing patients and physicians with important therapies to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other rheumatic diseases, beginning with the development of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors and continuing with the establishment of the first interleukin (IL)-12/IL-23 treatment. We remain focused on complementing our existing portfolio of large-molecule biologics with novel treatments and oral therapeutics in development to provide new options to patients, through a combination of internal research and development, external collaborations and industry consortia.

The science of RA is rapidly evolving, and Janssen will maintain an important role in this area as an innovator and scientific driver as we explore new mechanisms of action including the blockade of IL-6 and other novel targets. Our numerous clinical trials, as well as our focused discovery research efforts, open new doors and create insight into interception and prevention strategies. The intent is to deliver new therapeutic options that will shift the treatment paradigm for patients living with RA.

Partnering with advocacy, academia and industry, we are taking a stratified approach to identify biomarkers that may help to predict patient response to anti-TNF therapies in RA. Advanced treatments may not be a universal solution for all patients, but co-diagnostics have the potential to improve patient care and disease management. Combining emerging technologies with biomarkers holds the promise of making more personalized therapeutic solutions in rheumatic diseases a reality.