Mechanisms of non-biologic antirheumatic drugs
Traditional non-biologic drugs, such as conventional synthetic DMARDs, are still widely used in rheumatology but in many cases the mechanisms of action of these drugs are unclear or multifaceted. A better understanding of these drugs, their associated adverse effects and how they work in concert with biologic drugs might enable the design of new therapies and therapeutic strategies.
In this Focus on mechanisms of non-biologic anti-rheumatic drugs, the four specially commissioned Reviews and one Perspectives article examine the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic and adverse effects of various commonly used non-biologic drugs in rheumatology, as well as future prospects in this field. These drugs include methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine and glucocorticoids, as well as mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine and tacrolimus.
