Infection Rates Stable in JIA With Anti-TNF Therapy

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Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) treated with biologic therapies were at no higher risk for hospitalized infections than those treated with methotrexate alone, But, higher rates were seen with anakinra in systemic JIA.

Anti-IL-23 Guselkumab Beats Adalimumab in Severe Psoriasis

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Management of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis has advanced significantly with FDA approved therapies capable of targeting TNF alpha, IL-17 and IL-12/23.  

BUILD Study - Baricitinib Shows Rapid Efficacy and X-ray Protection

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Baricitinib is an oral, small molecule, once-daily DMARD, that specifically inhibits Janus kinase 1 and 2 and is being developed for use in rheumatoid arthritis. With much of the developmental clinical trials completed, the drug is slated for review and potential approval near the end of the year.

RheumNow Week in Review – 30 September 2016

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Three new FDA approvals, proteomics, cancer, infectious risk, nonadherence and disappointing clinical trial results covered in this RheumNow Week in Review.

FDA Approves New Amgen Biosimilar for Adalimumab

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2016 has been a big year for biosimilars in rheumatology.

After the 1st TNF Inhibitor, a Non-TNF Biologic is Next Best

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Most US rheumatologists use multiple TNF inhibitors before switching. A new French study suggests that "other-MOA", non-TNF biologics are more effective after failing a TNF inhibitor.

Demyelinating Disease is a Rare Complication of TNF Inhibition.

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A recent review has shown that tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors (TNFi) rarely cause MS-like disorders.

New Shingles Vaccine Effective for up to Four Years

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In the current issue of the NEJM, a Herpes zoster subunit vaccine was reported to be highly effective in adults - specifically in 2 studies (ZOE50 and ZOE70) targeting adults over age 50 and over age 70 years. (Citation source: http://buff.ly/2cMng17)

DSB Reports and Updates - September 2016

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Updates and journal articles on opioids, drug induced sarcoidosis, cancer and cancer recurrence risks with TNF inhibitors and biologics, and FDA labeling changes.

Adalimumab Lowers Risk of Uveitis Flares in Visual I Study

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Rheumatologists may encounter patients with intermediate, posterior and pan-uveitis as part of certain rheumatic diseases such as Behcet’s, but more frequently may be called on to co-manage these patients with steroid sparing agents.

The RheumNow Week in Review – 9 September 2016

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights from the past week on RheumNow.com, including IBD/TNFi and cancer risk, fracture nonunion, PMR worse in women, not treating asymptomatic hyperuricemia, and shingles followed by stroke.

Shingles Plus Autoimmune Disease Hikes Stroke Risk

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Patients with autoimmune inflammatory diseases who develop herpes zoster are at increased risk of stroke for the subsequent 3 months, with risks diminishing thereafter, analysis of Medicare data showed.

RheumNow Week in Review – 2 September 2016

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights from this week in RheumNow:

Flares Portend Damage in Rheumatoid Arthritis - Time for a New Strategy?

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Disease flares are common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), often causing patients to seek additional care, if not medication.

The frequency of flares varies amongst studies in different populations.  But the consequence of flares has only recently been studied.

Another Biosimilar Approval - Etanercep-szzs by Novartis

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Yesterday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a new biosimilar, Erelzi, (etanercept-szzs), for the same multipile indications as the originator Enbrel, including rheumatoid arthritis, plaque psoriasis, Erelzi, will be generically labelled as etanercept-szzs.

RheumNow Week in Review – 26 August 2016

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews news and journal reports from the past week on RheumNow.com.

Prior Cancer Patients May Safely Receive TNF Inhibitors or Rituximab

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Current guidelines regarding the use of biologics in patients who have previously had a malignancy are based more on opinion than evidence.

Adalimumab Controls Non-Infectious Uveitis in VISUAL II Study

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It has long been observed that patients receiving monoclonal antibody based anti-TNF (TNFi) therapies for spondylitis or psoriatic disease have less inflammatory eye complications, such as uveitis. These agents have become common interventions based on these observational results.

Risk of Sepsis or Death Lower with Biologics in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Researchers from Germany have analyzed their large prospective rheumatoid arthritis (RA) registry to address whether being on biologic therapies leads to poorer outcomes - namely sepsis or death, following a serious infection (SIE).

ARCTIC Study Shows No Benefit to Ultrasound Remission in RA

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The goal in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment is remission. But what level or method of remission is best?