Adalimumab Gets FDA Orphan Drug Status for Use in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Save

The FDA has granted adalimumab (Humira) orphan drug designation for the investigational treatment of moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) (Hurley Stage II and Hurley Stage III disease).

Economic Impact of Biosimilars

Save

According to the Federal Trade Commission biosimilars have the potential to save the U.S. healthcare system $250 billion through 2022.

Hepatotoxicity and TNF Inhibitors

Save

Hepatic enzyme elevations with TNF inhibitor use is not uncommon.

Lancet: Increase Serious Infection Risk with Biologics

Save

RA Compliance Undermines Treatment Success

Save

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston prospectively studied 107 RA patients with regard to oral medication (DMARDs, steroids) adherence. They report that adherence was low, ranging from 58-71% overall.

Zoster Risk is Similar Among Different MOA Biologics

Save

The risk of new H zoster infection was studied among nearly 30,000 new biologic starts and compared rates seen with abatacept, adalimumab, rituximab, infliximab, etanercept, tocilizumab, certolizumab or golimumab initiation.

Is There a Standout When Comparing Novel Therapies?

Save

Randomized clinical trials are needed to show efficacy and safety, and are needed to back up the claims and indications for a particular drug. The issue of treatment choice has become challenging, especially when choosing to start or augment therapy.

DRESS Trial Shows TNFi Dose Reduction is Possible - Without Major Flares

Save

Can TNF inhibitor therapy be withdrawn in RA patients who are in remission?  The DRESS trial reports the results of randomized trial of 180 RA patients taking either etanercept or adalimumab. Patients were randomly assigned to either usual care (no dose reduction) or a stepwise increase

HLA-DRB1 Alleles Augment RA Severity and TNF Inhibitor Responses

Save

The HLA-DRB1 haplotype is a known risk factor for RA.

Poisoning deaths involving opioid analgesics - NY State

Save

Between 1999 and 2013 opiate-related deaths nearly quadrupled, with the death rate rising from 1.4 to 5.1 deaths per 100,000. These alarming statistics have lead to greater regulation and oversight to opiate use.