Betegségmodifikáló

Betegségmodifikáló refers to a class of medications designed to alter the underlying course of a disease rather than just treating its symptoms. These drugs aim to reduce inflammation, slow down disease progression, and prevent long-term damage, particularly in chronic conditions. The term is most commonly associated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which are used to manage autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. DMARDs work by suppressing the immune system's overactive response that attacks the body's own tissues.

There are several categories of DMARDs, including traditional synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs) like methotrexate and sulfasalazine, and biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) which are engineered proteins that target specific parts of the immune system, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors or interleukin inhibitors. Targeted synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs) like JAK inhibitors also fall under this umbrella. The choice of medication depends on the specific disease, its severity, and individual patient factors. While these medications can significantly improve quality of life and prevent irreversible joint damage, they often require careful monitoring due to potential side effects and do not typically represent a cure for the underlying disease.