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Decreased CD4 T Cells with Rituximab Infusions
Rituximab (RTX) is a monoclonal antibody directed against the CD20 antigen on B cells and when administered causes a marked depletion of CD20+ B cells.
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Prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Increases
The MMWR has reported that Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), previously (1999) had an estimated 1.8 million (0.9%) prevalence. But as of 2015, an estimated 3.1 million (1.3%) of U.S.
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The RheumNow Week in Review – 28 October 2016
Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights, news and journal reports from this week at RheumNow.com
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POSTURE Study: Apremilast Fails in Ankylosing Spondylitis
ClinicalTrials.gov has listed the results of the POSTURE study, a large randomized placebo-controlled trial wherein apremilast was found to yield no benefit (compared to placebo) in treating ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (32.5% vs. 36.6% ASAS20 at week 16) patients.
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Early Intervention with Corticosteroids and IVIG is Crucial in Kawasaki Disease
The current JAMA Pediatrics issue has published a report showing that adjunctive corticosteroid therapy yielded significantly fewer coronary artery complications compared with intravenous immunoglobulin therapy alone, particularly among high-risk patients with Kawasaki disease.
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Nor-Switch Study Shows it's Safe to Switch to a Biosimilar
The results of the Nor-Switch study were presented at the United European Gastroenterology annual congress this week demonstrating no significant difference in effect, adverse effects or antibody formation in patients switched from Remicade to the biosimilar infliximab (CT-P13, Remsima).
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Inflectra Biosimilar Ships in Late November 2016
Pfizer has announced it will ship its new FDA-approved biosimilar, Inflectra, in late November and that it will be priced at a15 percent discount to current wholesale prices.
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RheumNow Week in Review – 14 October 2015
Dr Jack Cush reviews highlights from the news and journal articles appearing this week on RheumNow.com:
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Effective Interferon-Free Regimen for HCV-Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis
Rheumatologists have been challenged to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced rheumatic disease since discovery of the virus in 1989.
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Michelle Petri Reviews New Therapies for Lupus
In this video, Michelle Petri, MD, director of the Hopkins Lupus Center at Johns Hopkins University, discusses recent successes and challenges in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus, with clinical trials results ranging from "wildly positive" to "completely negative."
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Biosimilar Reports – October 2016
RheumNow will periodically review this subject with “Biosimilar Reports” providing updates, news, new publications, overview articles and research results impacting to biosimilar development and use.
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Infection Rates Stable in JIA With Anti-TNF Therapy
Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) treated with biologic therapies were at no higher risk for hospitalized infections than those treated with methotrexate alone, But, higher rates were seen with anakinra in systemic JIA.
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Lupus Nephritis Therapies Reviewed
Singh and colleagues have published a systematic review and Bayesian network metaanalyses of clinical trials of immunosuppressive drugs and corticosteroids in patients with lupus nephriti.
Pharma Points Blame at PBMs
A Wall Street Journal article claims that U.S. drugmakers are pointing the blame at the middlemen who also influence drug priciing.
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Anti-IL-23 Guselkumab Beats Adalimumab in Severe Psoriasis
Management of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis has advanced significantly with FDA approved therapies capable of targeting TNF alpha, IL-17 and IL-12/23.
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BUILD Study - Baricitinib Shows Rapid Efficacy and X-ray Protection
Baricitinib is an oral, small molecule, once-daily DMARD, that specifically inhibits Janus kinase 1 and 2 and is being developed for use in rheumatoid arthritis. With much of the developmental clinical trials completed, the drug is slated for review and potential approval near the end of the year.
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RheumNow Week in Review – 30 September 2016
Three new FDA approvals, proteomics, cancer, infectious risk, nonadherence and disappointing clinical trial results covered in this RheumNow Week in Review.
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No Difference in Infection Rates Among SLE Drugs
Rates of serious infection and mortality among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) did not depend on the immunosuppressive drug regimen they were on, investigators reported.
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Ilaris Gets FDA Approval for Rare Febrile Disorders
Ilaris was previously approved for use in systemic JIA and CAPS. The FDA has expanded this to include TRAPS, Hyper-IgD and FMF based on clinical trials.
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FDA Approves New Amgen Biosimilar for Adalimumab
2016 has been a big year for biosimilars in rheumatology.
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