Tofacitinib linked to modest weight and BMI increases in RA patients

Study details: This post hoc analysis pooled data from eight phase 3 and 3b/4 clinical trials involving 5,335 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with tofacitinib (5 mg or 10 mg bid, or 11 mg daily) or placebo. The study assessed changes in weight and BMI over 12 months and explored correlations with disease activity (DAS28-4[ESR]), C-reactive protein (CRP), and lipid levels.

Results: Tofacitinib-treated patients experienced statistically significant increases in least squares mean weight and BMI at months 3, 6, and 12 compared with placebo. A higher proportion of patients on tofacitinib gained ≥5% body weight. However, correlations between weight/BMI changes and disease activity or lipid parameters were weak.

Clinical impact: While tofacitinib is associated with modest weight and BMI increases, these changes appear largely independent of inflammation or lipid shifts. Clinicians should be aware of potential weight gain during treatment but may not need to adjust therapy based solely on these changes.

Source:

Wollenhaupt J, et al. (2025, May 9). ACR Open Rheumatol. Analysis of the Impact of Tofacitinib Treatment on Weight and Body Mass Index in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40344335/