Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disabling disease that affects nearly 1% of the U. S. population [1]. The illness causes destruction of joint cartilage and erosion of adjacent bone, leading to joint replacement as well as extra-articular disease including cardiopulmonary manifestations, vasculitis, gastrointestinal and infectious complications [2]. Many patients with RA over time suffer progressive disability [3, 4], pain [5], work loss [3, 6], substantial health care costs [7], and premature mortality [8]. The current treatment of RA results in only modest improvements in functional status and many patients progress to chronic disability. Treatment is focused on ameliorating symptoms and halting disease progression as early as possible to prevent joint damage and functional decline.