A Turning Point: The Value of Remission for Patients with Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases

Governments worldwide must prioritise remission for patients with inflammatory rheumatic conditions to improve lives, reduce strain on healthcare systems and boost economic productivity.

The Importance of Remission

For patients, remission means fewer hospital visits, a reduced risk of comorbidities and the ability to reclaim their independence. Achieving remission can make the difference between thriving in personal and professional endeavors or being sidelined by pain.

Take Lauren’s story as an example. Diagnosed with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis at 18, Lauren faced years of pain, isolation and career setbacks, even becoming bedbound at her lowest point. With effective treatment she achieved remission and was able to thrive in her career and even complete a half marathon.

Lauren’s story is just one example of the importance of remission. Patients who achieve remission are also three times less likely to be hospitalised and incur 3.5 times lower annual healthcare costs than those without disease control.

Barriers to Remission

Despite its transformative potential, remission remains out of reach for many. Barriers like delayed diagnoses, limited access to specialists and insufficient treatment options hinder progress for patients. Globally, only 38% of rheumatoid arthritis patients with high disease activity are offered new treatments. These barriers leave patients navigating a difficult and costly path alone.

Take Action

Patient advocates and healthcare professionals should follow the lead of  Versus Arthritis and call on policymakers to prioritise remission. Early diagnosis, equitable access to treatment and integrated care improves health outcomes and strengthens economies while reducing overall healthcare costs. For patients like Lauren, remission is more than a goal. It’s a chance to live the life they choose.