Combination therapy with rheumatoid arthritis (COBRA)-light study, an open randomised trial comparing a modified COBRA therapy with the COBRA therapy according to treatment strategies for rheumatoid arthritis (BeSt) in early rheumatoid arthritis

Early, aggressive treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) has been proven to lower disease activity and suppress radiologic progression. Moreover, combination therapy is shown to be superior to monotherapy. The combination therapy with rheumatoid arthritis (COBRA) therapy is effective in several trials, and the positive effect on radiologic progression sustained over time. In a recent trial (BeSt [treatment strategies for Rheumatoid Arthritis] = see. for more details of this trial) comparing different treatment strategies the COBRA therapy and initial therapy with infliximab (a tumour necrotising factor [TNF]-blocker) were equally effective in improving functional ability and preventing radiographic damage. Apparently most rheumatologists and or patients have resistance in prescribing this therapy.