Shafran IH, Alasti F, Smolen JS, et al. - This study was attempted to assess if pre-treatment C-reactive protein (CRP) is a beneficial marker that can guide a preferential treatment choice towards IL-6 inhibition. Researchers examined data of 1,126 treatment courses with tocilizumab (TCZ; early RA), 250 courses of rituximab (RTX; established RA) and 249 courses of methotrexate (MTX; established RA). Clinical disease activity index (CDAI) values and change along 24 weeks’ follow-up were compared with CRP values at baseline or its early change. Data from a separate TCZ trial were applied to confirm the outcomes in early RA. The data reveal that baseline CRP seems to have a positive correlation with reaching the therapeutic target on TCZ treatment, but is a negative prognosticator for RTX and MTX. Evidence showed that individuals on TCZ without an early CRP response have a lower chance of achieving remission. It was considered that in patients with RA, CRP and its early course may inform, to some extent, the calculation of potential therapeutic success.