Charles-Schoeman C, DeMasi R, Valdez H, et al. - Data pooled from 4,076 individuals with moderately to severely active RA who were receiving ≥ 1 tofacitinib dose in 6 phase III and 2 long-term extension studies over 7 years was analyzed by the researchers in order to assess the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in individuals with RA who were receiving tofacitinib. Over 12,873 patient-years of exposure, 52 MACE happened. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors and glucocorticoid and statin use were correlated with MACE risk, however, disease activity and inflammation measures were not. Baseline age, hypertension, and the total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio persisted to be significantly correlated with the risk of MACE. An elevation in HDL cholesterol and a reduction in the total to HDL cholesterol were related to diminished MACE risk, although, variations in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and disease activity measures were not, following 24 weeks of treatment. Raised erythrocyte sedimentation rates correspondingly trended with increased future MACE risk. In conclusion, progressed HDL cholesterol, but not heightened LDL cholesterol or total cholesterol seemed to be related to lower future MACE risk, following 24 weeks of tofacitinib treatment.