The RheumNow Week in Review – 10 March 2017

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews news and highlights from the past week on RheumNow.com.  Sign up at RheumNow.com to received daily or weekly news, blogs and tweets on all things rheumatology

European Biologic Manufacturers Issue Warnings About Biosimilar Switching

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Reuters has reported that European drugmakers have taken the tact of warning EU physician contemplating the switch from existing (originator) biologic therapy to newer, cut-rate biosimilar.  Biosimilar use is widespread outside the USA.

Oral Bacteria Driving ACPA and Rheumatoid Arthritis

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The current JAMA has a perspective piece on the role of the oral microbiome in the pathogenesis and references a recent article by Konig et al on "Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans–induced hypercitrullination links periodontal infection to autoimmunity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)." (Citation

Non-Ischemic Heart Failure in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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The current issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reports on the relative risk of heart failure (HF) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its relation to ischemic heart disease (IHD).

Methotrexate and Folate Use by Rheumatologists - Survey Results

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The February 2017 RheumNow “Live Vote” surveyed US and non-US rheumatologists about their beliefs and practices regarding folic acid and methotrexate (MTX) use. A total of 495 responses were tabulated in 2 weeks. Here are the results, and comments from Dr. Kremer on his preferred answers to these questions.

Psychologic Impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis on Men

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Arthritis Care & Research has reported the results of a study that analyzed the perceptions and attitudes of men afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  The results are drawn from a series of focus groups involving 22 men with RA.

Novel Mechanisms for Rheumatoid Arthritis

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The Journal of Leukocyte Biology has reported mechanisms whereby synovial CD4+ T cells producing IL-21 can contribute to the pathogenesis of RA by activating synovial fibroblasts.

Rheumatoid Progression Slowing Down

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Patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with onset in the modern era had significantly lower baseline and annual rates of radiographic disease progression versus those with onset before 2001, researchers in England reported.

High Level Rheumatoid Responses to the GM-CSF inhibitor Mavrilimumab

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Despite recent advances in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), MANY patients on existent biological therapy fail to achieve remission. Therapies with novel mechanisms of actions, great efficacy and well balanced safety profile remain an unmet need.

The RheumNow Week in Review – 24 February 2017

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

Higher Hip and Knee Replacement Revision Rates in Younger Patients

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Joint arthroplasty has grown into a billion dollar industry worldwide. However, optimal timing and the success of total joint replacements in younger patient groups has not been well studied.

Sirukumab Effective in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Sirukumab is a human monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to the interleukin-6 (IL-6) and is being developed for use in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other inflammatory diseases.

Quarter of Patients Claim Diet Influences Their Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Patients often characterize certain foods as  “inflammatory” or “anti-inflammatory” as they combat their arthritis.

Biosimilar Reports – February 2017

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.