Utilization of targeted disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for managing rheumatoid arthritis in the last decade: A two-country comparison

Objective: To compare trends in the use of targeted disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), between Korea and Australia. Materials and methods: Using sampled claims databases in Korea and Australia (2010 – 2018), we analyzed the trends in the use of individual targeted DMARDs (biologic and targeted synthetic) for RA in both countries. Results: The use of targeted DMARDs for the management of RA showed an increase of over 200 and 300% in Australia and Korea, respectively. The tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFis) etanercept and adalimumab were the most commonly prescribed drugs in 2010 in both countries, with non-TNFi use increasing over the study period. The introduction of tofacitinib in 2015 led to 10 and 15% market share uptake in Korea and Australia, respectively. Conclusion: Trends in the use of targeted DMARDs for RA were similar in Korea and Australia, and the use of non-TNFis, including tofacitinib, increased in both countries.