Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Discontinuation of disease modifying therapy

This is not a drug but a clinical intervention involving the cessation of disease-modifying antirheumatic therapy (DMARD) or similar disease-modifying treatments.

This is not a drug but a clinical intervention involving the cessation of disease-modifying antirheumatic therapy (DMARD) or similar disease-modifying treatments. Used for Assessment of disease flare risk following DMARD discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune conditions.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Discontinuation of disease-modifying therapy refers to a therapeutic strategy or study protocol where patients stop taking medications designed to slow or halt disease progression. This is typically studied to assess disease flare risk, remission durability, or optimal treatment duration rather than representing a pharmacological agent itself.

Approved indications

• Assessment of disease flare risk following DMARD discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune conditions

Common side effects

• Disease flare or relapse
• Loss of disease control

Key clinical trials

• CD40L Antagonism in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) (PHASE2)
• Recombinant Herpes Zoster Vaccine in Patients With Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases (PHASE4)
• Pregnancy Exposure Registry for Vumerity (Diroximel Fumarate)
• Discontinuation of Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs) in Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Extension of the DISCOMS Study
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Memory B Cells and Abatacept (PHASE4)
• Discontinuation of Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs) in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) (PHASE4)
• Biogen Multiple Sclerosis Pregnancy Exposure Registry
• Discontinuing Disease-modifying Therapies in Stable Relapsing - Onset Multiple Sclerosis (DOT-MS). (NA)

Primary sources

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