Decoding rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects two to three times as many women as men. Scientists are uncovering RA’s potential genetic and hormonal underpinnings, which point to potential reasons why women are more vulnerable. The newest treatments, called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, resulted from research that has teased out delicate differences in immune system pathways. They block numerous proteins that ramp up inflammation fundamental to RA. The wide array of drug options now available for RA help doctors personalize therapies to each patient.