General Question

silky1's avatar

Do the drugs Orencia and Rituxan work in the same manner on rheumatoid arthritis?

Asked by silky1 (1510points) June 14th, 2011

What is the difference in their mechanisms?

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

1 Answer

Lightlyseared's avatar

Orencia interferes with T-cell activation. Rituxan destroys B-cells. B and T cells are both part of the immune system and RA is a systemic autoimmune diesase, so both are trying to stop the immune system attacking the connective tissue of the joints by switching off part of the immune system but they are switching off different parts.

Answer this question

Login

or

Join

to answer.

This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.

Your answer will be saved while you login or join.

Have a question? Ask Fluther!

What do you know more about?
or
Knowledge Networking @ Fluther