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Two biologic therapies showed promise in the treatment of refractory or relapsing eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) in a retrospective European study.
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A French Vasculitis Study Group analysis of their granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) reveals that after 10 years, only 7% of GPA patients achieved sustained remission off therapy (SROT) and have never relapsed.
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A subanalysis of the CANTOS trial suggests that inhibition of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) can reduce rates of incident hip or knee replacement (THR/TKR) surgeries.
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Denosumab is effective in osteoporosis when used on schedue, but research suggests that discontinuation leads to rapid reversal of effect; a new observational study has shown that delays in denosumab administration of more than 16 weeks results in an increased vertebral fracture risk, according t
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JAMA Internal Medicine reports an analysis of COVID-19 clinical trials showing that critically ill patients with COVID-19 treated with systemic corticosteroids have an overall lower mortality rate.
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Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal articles from the past week on RheumNow.com. Regulatory approvals, update on global rheumatology alliance, smoking and psoriasis, gabapentin let down and defining difficult RA.
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TB reactivation and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) are warned against with biologic agents, especially TNF inhibitors; yet clinical trial data now shows that the risk of LTBI with IL-17 inhibition via secukinumab is uncommon.
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Numerous previous studies have questioned the efficacy or protection afforded by hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for COVID-19 and studies have show that HCQ has failed when given as post-exposure prophylaxis to health care workers (HCWs). A new randomized controlled trial has shown that HCQ failed when given as 8 weeks of pre-exposure prophylaxis in hospital-based HCWs exposed to patients with COVID-19 patients.
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The anti-interleukin agent romilkimab showed significant benefits on skin fibrosis among patients with systemic sclerosis in a phase II trial, researchers reported.
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On Friday, Gilead and Galapagos announced that the European Commission (EC) has granted marketing authorization for filgotinib (trade name, Jyseleca) their oral, once-daily, JAK1 inhibitor for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have resp
Dr. John Cush
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Study of 193 Axial SpA pts with TNF inhibitor switching shows, using stringent outcome measures (ASDAS-ID) shows odds of responding to 2nd TNFi best w/ secondary TNFi failure (OR 7.3) or adverse events (OR 9.1), compared to primary TNFi failure. https://t.co/kpDelzBYRe
Dr. John Cush
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Study of 222 RA pts on MTX given anti-GMCSF (otilimab) 22·5 mg, 45 mg, 90 mg, 135 mg, 180 mg, or PBO weekly x 5 wks, then EOW. @wk 24 DAS28-CRP <2·6 5%, 16%. 19%, 14%, 14% respectively and 3% in PBO. Otilimab failed to meet primary endpoint. https://t.co/14QqyeTcuP
Jeff Sparks
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Incredible lecture on the highest of therapeutics for rheumatoid arthritis by @BrighamWomens Dr Michael Weinblatt. Love this screen shot of A to Z for therapies prior to the methotrexate era. Z=Zero therapy (do nothing). Incredible advances since then! https://t.co/AOIMBJiulo
Dr. John Cush
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Swedish population study of psoriasis pts Rx w/ secukinumab (848) or ustekinumab (1107) showed slightly more respiratory infx & UTI (HR 1.22), w/ no difference in hospital treated severe respiratory, UTI (HR 0.96) or candidiasis (HR 1.80) https://t.co/yIRubED6VX
Dr. John Cush
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Utilization study of 1031 tofacitinib vs 17,803 biologic DMARD Rx-patients shows 14% higher discontinuations w/ TOFA (HR 1.14), but pts who switched to tofacitinib from a bDMARD had longer persistence than pts switched to another bDMARD (HR 0.90) https://t.co/5cqloTTbjb
Dr. John Cush
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Latest data Global Rheumatology Alliance COVID Registry -2121 pts (40% RA, 17% SLE, 9% PsA), 64% on DMARDs, 33% biologics, 5% JAKi, 34% steroid,27% HCQ, with only 7.6 deaths and 39% hospitalized and 81% resolved infection. https://t.co/g0w4QZHmRl
Dr. John Cush
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14203 early RA cohort looked at adherence to quality standards of care (DMARD use, steroids, early F/U care) and showed adherence lessened need for future hospitalisation (adj HR 0.85); most impact from early DMARDs, worst from steroid use https://t.co/hzICGWyht2
Dr. John Cush
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ASSERT looked at ankylosing spondylitis (AS) pts treated with infliximab (n = 16) or placebo (n = 7). Infliximab was shown to reduce depression & depressive symptoms by improving AS disease Sxs. There was no link between CRP inflammation & depression https://t.co/oC5rQP2Jec
Dr. John Cush
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Small study compared denosumab (20 pts) and teriparatide (21) in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) Pts not responding to bisphosphonates. At 24 mos Teriparatide might have some advantages over denosumab (greater increases in LS/fem neck BMD) https://t.co/5wR9DlLfPK
Dr. John Cush
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Pfizer announced the FDA has approved tofacitinib (Xeljanz) in children (>2yrs) w/ polyarticular JIA. Approval based on a 225 pt, Phase 3, 18 wk Open Run-in followed by 26-wk randomized, withdrawal study of placebo vs tofa 5 mg qd (or wt based oral soln) https://t.co/9Xo3lriINH
