Postmarketing surveillance evaluating the safety and effectiveness of golimumab in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the real-world safety and effectiveness of golimumab (GLM) in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: A postmarketing surveillance of 5154 patients was conducted with a follow-up duration of at least 24 weeks. Patients were divided into four groups based on the initial treatment: 50 mg or 100 mg of GLM with concomitant use of methotrexate (MTX) and 50 mg or 100 mg of GLM monotherapy. Patient characteristics at baseline, safety and effectiveness were assessed for each group. Results: Over 70% of patients received 50 mg of GLM with concomitant MTX, and approximately, 20% received monotherapy. The incidence rate of adverse events was 45.40 per 100 patient-years. The incidence of adverse events including serious adverse events was comparable across all groups. The proportion of patients showing remission or low disease activity increased from 13.69% to 46.21% at the final evaluation, and no differences were observed in the percentage of remission across the four groups. Concomitant MTX use was associated with higher probability of continuing therapy. Conclusions: GLM showed effectiveness in Japanese rheumatoid arthritis patients with an acceptable safety profile.