Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease, characterized by pain, stiffness, swelling and loss of joint function. RA can affect any joint, but preferentially affects the small joints of the hands and feet. This painful chronic condition is often accompanied by reduced quality of life, impaired ability to work and depression due to loss of function.1 RA is a fairly prevalent chronic disease that affects at least two million adults in the United States (approximately 1% of the population); 75% are women. The onset of RA can occur at any time but usually presents starting anywhere after the fourth decade in women (around age 35) and in the fifth decade (around age 45) in men. Prevalence of RA increases with age in both men and women