Baricitinib is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. JAKs are intracellular enzymes which transmit signals arising from cytokine or growth factor-receptor interactions on the cellular membrane to influence cellular processes of hematopoiesis and immune cell function. Within the signaling pathway, JAKs phosphorylate and activate Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STATs) which modulate intracellular activity including gene expression. Baricitinib modulates the signaling pathway at the point of JAKs, preventing the phosphorylation and activation of STATs.
Limitation of Use: Use of Baricitinib in combination with other JAK inhibitors, biologic DMARDs or with potent immunosuppressants such as Azathioprine and cyclosporine is not recommended.
The recommended dose of Baricitinib is 2 mg once daily. Baricitinib may be used as monotherapy or in combination with Methotrexate or other DMARDs.
