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Globally, rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases constitute the most common causes of disability, related morbidity and economic loss worldwide. A shortage of rheumatologists warrants education of primary care doctors in primary care rheumatology, public awareness initiatives and advocacy for rheumatic musculoskeletal health.
Biosimilars have an important place in the treatment of rheumatic conditions. The non-inferiority of biosimilars to bio-originators is ensured, but full and effective clinical adoption of these agents nonetheless requires consideration of several important issues, including the need for shared decision-making and a potential nocebo effect.
Since entering the clinic 25 years ago, biologic TNF inhibitors have transformed the outlook for people with rheumatoid arthritis and set the standard for all other targeted therapies. Despite changes to the therapeutic landscape, TNF inhibitors look set to remain an important treatment option for the foreseeable future.
IL-17 signalling regulates both protective and harmful immune responses; therefore, its complete inhibition can have adverse effects. Detailed consideration and fine-tuning of IL-17-inhibition strategies is needed to selectively regulate disease outcomes.
