Biosimilar Reports – February 2017

Save

Biosimilar reports is an ongoing series dedicated to advances, discussions and developments in biosimilar agents intended for use by rheumatologists. Many of these items were compiled from news sources, journal articles and regulatory documents and are cited and linked within each section.

The RheumNow Week in Review – 17 February 2017

Save

Dr. Jack Cush reviews this week's news and information from the 2017 RWCS meeting in Maui.

BEAM Study: Baricitinib Beats Placebo and Adalimumab in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Save

Baricitinib is a novel inhibitor of Janus kinases JAK1 and JAK2 that has been extensively studied in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  Baricitinib (AKA Oluminant) was recently approved by the EMA for use in Europe at a once daily dose of 4 mg per day.

Baricitinib Approved in the EU for Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Save

The European Commission has approved Eli Lilly's rheumatoid arthritis drug Olumiant (baricitinib) for use in Europe for RA patients with moderate-to-severe active disease in adults who have not responded one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.

Crohn's Arthritis Linked to E. Coli Infection

Save

Articular manifestations of Crohn's disease affects a significant number of patients with either oligoarticular or RA-like polyarthritis or spondyloarthritis.

An Integrated Analysis of Tofacitinib Safety

Save

Since its US approval in 2012, tofacitinib has become a widely used treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Whether you're impressed with its efficacy, or distressed with its side effects, its track record is voluminous and has been recently reviewed.

The RheumNow Week in Review – 10 February 2017

Save

Dr. Jack Cush discusses the news and reports from this week on RheumNow:

Chronic Pain Associated with Poverty and Less Education

Save

Poorer and less-educated older Americans are more likely to suffer from chronic pain than those with greater wealth and more education, but the disparity between the two groups is much greater than previously thought, according to new research.

Intra-articular Corticosteroids or Methotrexate for Oligoarticular JIA?

Save

Oligoarticular-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis accounts for nearly half of all JIA patients. While many of these children will require DMARD therapy, many others are treated with antiinflammatory meds or intra-articular corticosteroids. But the evidence for this latter approach is scant.

Novel Peripheral Helper T Cells in RA

Save

US and UK researchers have identified a unique subset of helper T-cells called ‘peripheral helper’ T-cells in the synoviums that may be linked to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.

No Increase in Infections with Pre-Op Infliximab Before Hip or Knee Replacement

Save

Up to 30% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) will eventually undergo joint reconstructive surgery, yet we have limited data to guide the perioperative management of DMARDs and biologics.

Modest Efficacy for Methotrexate in Psoriasis

Save

Doubt remains regarding the appropriateness, efficacy and safety of methotrexate in the treatment of moderate to severe cutaneous psoriasis. Moreover, high dose, subcutaneous MTX has not been studied in a well-designed trial.

The RheumNow Week in Review – 3 February 2017

Save

Dr. Jack Cush reviews this week's highlights from RheumNow.

Is the Jury Still Out on Triple Therapy vs. MTX + TNF inhibitor?

Save

There are several trials that test the efficacy and safety of combination tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) plus methotrexate against triple therapy (methotrexate plus hydroxychloroquine plus sulfasalazine) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Curbside Consults - January 2017

Save

Curbside Consults are cases submitted by our rheumatology colleagues as challenging therapeutic or safety issues. Answers are based on experience, with added evidence from the medical literature and published guidelines.

Efficacy of Pneumococcal Vaccine in RA Patients

Save

Infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in RA patients and thus vaccinating against preventable infections is a top priority for rheumatologists.

The RheumNow Week in Review – 27 January 2017

Save

Dr. Cush reviews highlights from the past week on RheumNow.com.

DSB - Safety Update and Drug Shortages January 2017

Save

RheumNow will periodically report safety issues as Drug Safety Bulletins. These will update you with safety issues, label changes and reports of new, ongoing and resolved drug shortages that affect rheumatology. If you have suggestions or information about specific drug shortages or drug safety issues, please email us at info@rheumnow.com.

C5a and Neutrophils as Early Mediators in Inflammatory Arthritis

Save

Researchers from the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) have studied the initial steps in an animal model of inflammatory arthritis and found that complement C5a is critical to neutrophils migration into joints.