Which biologics for whom? In obese patients, certain anti-rheumatic drugs do not work as well

Since 2011, the DRFZ has been running the RABBIT biologics registry, which now includes more than 19,000 closely monitored patients. It compares how patients react to the various biologics used today to treat rheumatic diseases. The publication shows that biologic therapies based on cytokine inhibition (TNF inhibitors and tocilizumab) have a significantly poorer effect in obese patients compared to others. This effect is less prominent for therapies targeting specific cells or their interactions with other cells (rituximab and abatacept). This is important information for tailoring the therapy to each individual patient.