Variations in First Biologic Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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A Canadian analysis shows that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are more likely to receive biologic DMARDs earlier if they are younger, female, and living in urban areas closer to prescribers.

Secukinumab Improves Enthesitis

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Secukinumabs (SEC) effect on enthesitis in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) was studied in the FUTURE 2 and 3 studies and SEC was shown significantly reduced enthesitis by more than 65% within 14 week. 

Spondyloarthritis Affects Pregnancy Outcomes

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A Danish registy has shown that the the prevalence of Spondyloarthritis (SpA) diagnosed prior to delivery has increased 5 fold in the last two decades and that SpA is associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO).

IL-17 Inhibitors In Non-Radiographic Axial SpA

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This meeting sees new data on using anti-IL-17 agents in non-radiographic axial SpA. Up until now these patients have only had TNF inhibitors available, so data about the efficacy of IL17 inhibitors is really important.

RheumNow Podcast –Favorites of ACR 2019 (11.22.19)

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Dr. Jack Cush recaps standout presentations and information from ACR 2019 held in Atlanta November 9-12, 2019.

Psoriatic Arthritis at ACR 2019

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Below are several of the highlight studies in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) presented at the ACR 2019 annual meeting in Atlanta. 

Muscle Loss and Frailty in Rheumatic Disease

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At the 2019 ACR annual meeting, several abstracts looked at the importance of myopia (muscle wasting due to illness at any age) and sarcopenia (age related muscle wasting) in the setting of various rheumatologic diseases.

ACR 2019 – Best of the Plenary Sessions

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The ACR Plenary Sessions featured some of the best research presented on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday in Atlanta. Here are my seven notable highlights from the Plenaries.

ACR 2019 - Report from Day One (Sunday)

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Sunday was the first full day of scientific sessions at the 2019 ACR/ARP meeting in Atlanta. Yesterday we shared our initial news articles, videos and more with you. Following is my roundup of day one. 

Delays in Diagnosis

New Treatments in Axial SpA from #ACR2019

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There were new developments in the treatment of axial Spondyloarthritis (AS) at ACR 2019. The first area is on the use of anti-IL17A drugs, secukinumab and ixekizumab in non-radiographic AS. The second area is the use of JAK-1 inhibitor Upadacitinib in radiographic AS.

RheumNow Podcast – Better Ways to Treat Gout (11.8.19)

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal articles from the past week on RheumNow.com.

Most Psoriatics Go on Biologics

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A cohort study of 97 patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) examined the prescribing practices in PsA, and found biologics are commonly initiated as the primary mode of therapy in outpatients with PsA. However, treatment modifications can be made regarding patients who are managed with apremilast alone.

New EMA Warnings for Tofacitinib in Patients at Risk for Clots

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The European Medicines Agency safety committee (PRAC) has concluded that Xeljanz (tofacitinib - TOFA) could increase the risk of blood clots in the lungs and in deep veins in patients who are already at high risk for venous thromboembolic events. The PRAC is recommending that TOFA should be used with caution in patients at high risk of blood clots (VTE), regardless of dose used.

Year in Review - Psoriatic Arthritis 2019

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Major new insights into the treatment of psoriatic arthritis dominated the headlines during the past year, with a head-to-head trial comparing IL-17A inhibition with tumor necrosis factor blockade, another study considering whether methotrexate can improve outcomes with anti-TNF therapy in PsA, and an investigation into the effects of biologic therapy on bone.

EXCEED Study: Cosentyx Equals Humira in Psoriatic Arthritis

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Novartis has announced the results of the EXCEED trial that pitted its IL-17 inhibitor, Cosentyx (secukinumab - SEC) against Humira (adalimumab - ADA) in patients with active psoriatic arthritis. The trial demonstrated that SEC was not non-inferior to ADA, but failed to meet its primary endpoint of superiority over ADA as far as drug efficacy.

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) Effective in Psoriatic Arthritis

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Yesterday, AbbVie reported the top-line study results showing the efficacy of Rinvoq (upadacitinib - UPAD) adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis who previously had an inadequate response to a biologic DMARD.

RheumNow Podcast – Ghastly, Ghoulish News (10.31.19)

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews recent journal articles and info bits from the past week on RheumNow.com. 

Methotrexate and the Risk of Lung Disease

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Rheumatology has a comprehensive overview of methotrexate (MTX) and the risk of lung injury, MTX-related pneumonitis and interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Past reports suggest the frequence of MTX-pneumonitis to be between 0.3 and 11.6%; recent studies suggest it may be much lower.

RheumNow Podcast – The Shoes Maketh the Doctor (10.25.19)

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal articles from the past week on RheumNow.com.