Extensive lung transcriptome analysis established that individuals with high risk factors for severe disease outcomes expressed ACE2 at much greater levels than control subjects 19
So, while the scale might simply show 20 pounds lost, it makes a huge difference what those 20 pounds were
When initial therapy proves insufficient, treatment escalation includes: Biologic DMARDs targeting specific inflammatory pathways (TNF inhibitors, IL-6 inhibitors, T-cell costimulation blockers, B-cell depleting agents) Targeted synthetic DMARDs such as JAK inhibitors (tofacitinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib), which carry FDA boxed warnings for serious cardiovascular events, malignancy, and thrombosis [24] [25] Combination DMARD therapy Short-term glucocorticoids for symptom control during treatment initiation Before starting biologic or targeted synthetic DMARDs, screening for tuberculosis and hepatitis B is recommended, along with appropriate vaccinations according to ACR guidelines
Tirzepatide, a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptor agonist with rapidly growing use, has demonstrated even greater effects on glycemic control and weight loss 13,14,15