Upadacitinib is a medication used in this trial to treat adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. It works by targeting specific pathways in the immune system to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints. This medication is being tested to see how effective and safe it is for patients who have not responded well to other treatments.

Adalimumab is another medication involved in the trial, also used for treating moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. It helps by blocking a protein in the body that causes inflammation, thereby reducing joint pain and swelling. The trial aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of adalimumab with upadacitinib in patients who have not had success with previous treatments.

MTX (Methotrexate) is a standard medication that participants in the trial are already taking. It is commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis by slowing down the immune system to decrease inflammation and joint damage. In this study, MTX is used as a background treatment to see how well the other medications work in combination with it.

Rheumatoid Arthritis – Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to inflammation. Over time, this inflammation can cause damage to the cartilage and bones within the joint. The disease often starts with small joints, such as those in the fingers and toes, and can progress to larger joints like the wrists, knees, and ankles. Symptoms typically include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of joint function. The progression of rheumatoid arthritis can vary, with periods of increased disease activity, known as flares, and periods of remission.