Olokizumab, another IL-6 Inhibitor for RA

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This week's NEJM has published the efficacy results of a large phase 3 trial of olokizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that directly targets IL-6 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

This is in contrast to two other marketed IL-6 inhibitors (sarilumab, tocilizumab) that bind to the IL-6 receptor.

Hyaluronic Acid Knee Injections Equivalent to Placebo

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In the United States, where over $300 million is spent annually on intraarticular hyaluronic acid injections, yet another study shows such therapy to be no better than placebo.

Bullous Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

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Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus (BSLE) is a rare blistering cutaneous manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

As goes SLE, bullous disease typically affects women, especially those of African descent.

Record Use of Marijuana and Hallucinogens in Young Adults

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The NY Times reports that a recent survey of drug use indicates that daily consumption of marijuana among young adults nearly doubled in the last decade. This is coupled with growing mainstream acceptance of cannabis and hallucinogenic compounds.

Bidirectional Association Between Depression and Rheumatoid Arthritis

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A recent meta-analysis suggests a bidirectional association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and depression.  Finding RA patients with depression yields an 80% increased mortality risk.

Anti-cytokine therapies represents a potential alternative for the treatment of depression.

Weight Loss Slows Knee OA Progression

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Declines in body mass index (BMI) were linked with slower worsening of knee osteoarthritis (OA), according to data from three large longitudinal cohort studies.