Biologic agents for rheumatoid arthritis: 2008 and beyond.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease with a complex underlying pathology and varied presentation in patients. Several novel biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs have become available for the treatment of RA. Agents in late-stage clinical trials include golimumab and certolizumab, which are anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha agents; ocrelizumab, an anti-CD20 agent; and tocilizumab, an inhibitor of interleukin-6. As treatment options for RA expand, nursing care will play an increasingly important role in empowering patients through interventions such as patient education and adverse effect management.