IMMUNOBIOLOGICAL THERAPY FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: EFFICACY, RISKS, AND IMPACT ON TREATMENT

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, autoimmune inflammatory disease that mainly affects women between 30 and 50 years of age, leading to progressive joint destruction and functional impairment. Given the limitations of conventional treatments, immunobiologicals emerge as an innovative therapeutic alternative, acting selectively on specific molecular targets, providing better symptom control and improving the quality of life of patients. Despite their effectiveness, these medications present challenges such as high cost, adverse effects, and the need for rigorous monitoring. This work was developed through a literature review, with a qualitative and descriptive approach, using scientific sources in the SciELO and Google Scholar databases, published between 2015 and 2024. The objective was to evaluate the impacts of the use of immunobiologicals in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, considering their effectiveness, associated risks, and implications in the context of the health system. The analysis showed that immunobiologicals contribute significantly to disease remission, reduction of physical disabilities, improvement of psychological well-being, and social reintegration of patients. However, its use demands public policies that guarantee equitable access, the sustainability of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), and the improvement of health services. It is concluded that the adoption of this therapy requires an integrated approach encompassing innovation, clinical safety, and economic viability.