Biologic Therapy in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Benefits, Risks, and When Is It Really Needed?
Biologic Therapy in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Benefits, Risks, and the Importance of Expert Care Biologics Are Powerful Medicines—But They Are Not the First Treatment for Everyone Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), now classified under axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) , is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. If left untreated, it can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, spinal fusion, and impaired quality of life. The introduction of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) has transformed the treatment of AS. Many patients experience remarkable improvements in pain, stiffness, function, and quality of life. However, biologics are not a cure , not suitable for every patient , and not the first treatment option in most cases. These medications should always be prescribed and monitored by specialists experienced in managing inflammatory arthritis , such as rheumatologists, in collaboration with rehabilitation...