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Dramatic Results for Interferon Blocker in SLE
Blocking the type 1 interferon receptor with the monoclonal antibody anifrolumab shows promise as a treatment for moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), according to a phase IIb study presented here.
Read ArticleLong-Acting Opioids Associated with Higher Mortality Risk
Prescription of long-acting opioids for chronic noncancer pain was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, including deaths from causes other than overdose, compared with anticonvulsants or cyclic antidepressants, according to a study appearing in the June 14 issue of JAMA.
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No Increased Risk of Colitis Flares in Secukinumab Trials
No increased incidence of inflammatory bowel disease has been seen among patients with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis treated with secukinumab (Cosentyx) in the clinical trial programs for this interleukin (IL)-17A inhibitor, a researcher reported here.
Read ArticleParathyroidectomy Improves and Bisphosphonates Worsen Fracture Risk in Primary Hyperparathyroidism
A retrospective observational study of over 6000 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), followed in the Kaiser-Permanente system, has shown a greater need for parathyroidectomy than was previously thought.
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U-ACT-Early and the Benefits of Tocilizumab
Lancet has published the results of the U-ACT-early study assessing the efficacy of monotherapy versus combination therapy using an interleukin-6 receptor-blocking monoclonal antibody, tocilizumab, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
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Ixekizumab Success with the UNCOVER Trials in Psoriasis
The NEJM today published the results of two phase-3 trials (UNCOVER-2 and UNCOVER-3) demonstrating the efficacy of ixekizumab (a monoclonal antibody against interleukin-17A) in the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis.
Read ArticlePre-Clinical Use of Rituximab Forestalls Rheumatoid Onset
The results of the PRAIRI study were presented today at EULAR 2016 in London. These early findings suggest that individuals "at-risk" to develop rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may benefit from a short course of intravenously rituximab therapy.
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Hospitalizations Decline for Rheumatoid Arthritis, But Increase in Gout
JAMA has reported the results of an 18-year National Inpatient Sample, a database of US non-federal hospitalizations.
Read ArticleEULAR: Tofacitinib Effective in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Desiree van der Heidje, MD, PhD presented the results of a 16-week, phase II, dose-ranging study of tofacitinib (TOFA) in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis.
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GiACTA Study Shows Benefit of Adding Tocilizumab to Steroid Taper in Giant Cell Arteritis
The GiACTA study has published its top line results demonstrating the efficacy of adding tocilizumab (TCZ) to steroid-tapered therapy in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA).
Read ArticleEight Deaths Linked to Methotrexate in Australia
Methotrexate , a cornerstone drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, has led to 90 hospitalizations and 7 deaths according to a recent report from the Medical Journal of Australia.
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Comorbidities Seen with ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
The damaging potential of many inflammatory disorders is magnified by well-known associated comorbid conditions. This is particularly true in lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic disease.
Read ArticleApril-May 2016 Top Social Media News
In April and May 2016, RheumNow sent 82 tweets regarding news, research and teaching points that strongly impacted the rheumatology community and resulted in a reach of 203,500 impressions, with 136 mentions, and over 6378 visits to RheumNow.com. Here are the top tweets from April and May.
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RheumNow Week in Review - 3 June 2016
This week's highlights from RheumNow.com include:
Read ArticlePatient Reluctance to Take Bisphosphonates
The NY Times reports that millions of Americans with osteoporosis are driven to stop or not take bisphosphonate therapies over the fear of exceedingly rare side effects - osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and atypical femoral fractures (AFF).
Read ArticleTendon Inflammation May Signal Early RA
Tenosynovitis may represent a preclinical phase of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Read ArticleGastrointestinal Perforation Risk increased for Tofacitinib and Tocilizumab
Gastrointestinal perforations (GIP) are not historically believed to be a common or uncommon complication. Hence, when this was noted in the tocilizumab (TCZ) and tofacitinib (TOFA) developmental trials, it was a curious if not perplexing finding.
Read ArticlePatients Undertreated and Uninformed on Pain Meds and NSAIDs
Pain management in the U.S. is at a vexing crossroad. The news tells us that narcotics are increasingly being restricted for their dangerous side effects and inappropriate use.
Read ArticleArhalofenate, URAT-1 Inhibitor, Being Developed for Gout
Good news for gout patients includes the recent approval of Zurampic (lesinurad), a URAT-1 inhibitor, and that effective urate-lowering therapy has significant long-term cardiovascular benefits.
Read ArticleRheumNow Week in Review – 27 May 2016
Dr. Cush reviews highlights from this week on RheumNow.com.
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