JAK inhibitors, cardiovascular and thromboembolic events: what we know and what we would like to know

JAK inhibitors (JAKinibs) have been approved for several immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), and non-radiographic axSpA. Although they have been proved to be very effective, some safety concerns have emerged. These mainly pertain to their profile regarding major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) as well as to thromboembolic events (VTEs). In fact, there are accumulating data showing that the concerns might be greater for the latter. Herein, we provide a critical analysis of the so far published major studies, discussing also some thoughts (e.g., different VTE risk across IMIDs) that could be taken into account in the interpretation of these results. In addition, we highlight the need for assessment of patients’ profile for cardiovascular as well as for thromboembolic risk factors. Incorporation of the respective tools (that need further validation) should be considered in clinical practice.