Upadacitinib monotherapy versus methotrexate monotherapy in methotrexate-naïve Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Long-term efficacy and safety through 5 years in the SELECT-EARLY study.
Mod RheumatolAug 31, 2026
Clinical ResearchRheumatology
Tsutomu Takeuchi, Ronald van Vollenhoven, Yukitaka Ueki et al.
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In 30 seconds
This Phase III randomized controlled trial evaluated the long-term efficacy and safety of upadacitinib monotherapy versus methotrexate in methotrexate-naïve Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis over 5 years. Results indicated that upadacitinib provided better overall long-term efficacy outcomes and greater inhibition of structural joint progression compared to methotrexate.
Key findings
- Patients receiving upadacitinib showed better overall long-term efficacy outcomes compared to those on methotrexate.
- Upadacitinib resulted in numerically greater inhibition of structural joint progression through 5 years.
- Higher treatment-emergent adverse event rates were noted in the 30 mg upadacitinib group.
Why it matters
Understanding the long-term efficacy and safety of upadacitinib compared to methotrexate is crucial for clinicians managing rheumatoid arthritis, as it informs treatment decisions and patient management strategies.