new ORAL agent for rheumatoid arthritis, Xeljanz (ZEL-jans, tofacitinib)

You'll hear about a new ORAL agent for rheumatoid arthritis, Xeljanz (ZEL-jans, tofacitinib).

Xeljanz is the first Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. Janus kinases are enzymes linked to inflammation in joints and other tissues.

It's not a first-line agent. It's for patients who have failed or can't tolerate methotrexate. It can also be added to methotrexate or other DMARDs...but not biologics (Humira, etc).