A Randomized, Multi-Center Biomarker Trial to Predict Therapeutic Responses of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis to a Specific Biologic Mode of Action

\- Infliximab (Remicade®) will be administered i.v. at a dose of 3 mg/kg at 0 and 2 weeks, and 5 mg/kg at weeks 6, 14, and 22, 30, 38, and 46.

\- Abatacept (Orencia®) will be given i.v. at weeks 0, 2, 4, and then every 4 weeks until week 48 at a weight adjusted dose: \<60 kg Body weight (BW): 500 mg; \>60-100 kg BW: 750 mg; alternatively, based on preference and shared decision between patient and physician, patients randomized to the abatacept arm may receive s.c. application at a dose of 125mg weekly.

\- Tocilizumab (Ro-Actemra®) will be administered every 4 weeks at a dose of 8 mg/kg BW (maximum dose of 800 mg); The employed dosage will be calculated using manufacturer guidelines; alternatively, based on preference and shared decision between patient and physician, patients randomized to the tocilizumab arm may receive s.c. application at a dose of 162mg every week.

"\- Rituximab (Mabthera®) will be given as 1000mg at weeks 0 and 2, and then repeated at weeks 24 and 26.~Patients will receive 100 mg methylprednisolon i.v. before each infusion, as well as 1000mg paracetamol, as well as 50mg diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Dibondrin©)."