Biologics are big. Their popularity is reflected in their growing use since being introduced in 1998. Biologics have been used by more than 3 million patients worldwide. In 2013, Enbrel, Remicade and Humira accounted for nearly $30 billion in worldwide sales. In the USA, it is estimated that we will spend $220 billion on biologics by 2017. 

Obesity is epidemic in North America, affecting nearly 76 million adults. Obesity is not only a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, it clearly worsens pain and function in most musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and has been shown to blunt DMARD and biologic responses in RA and other inflammatory arthritis patients. 

Rheumatology is fortunate to have many "key opinion leaders" (KOLs) to teach, study, synthesize and pave the advances in our discipline.  Who are these KOLs and how can we tell them apart? 

Early referral and diagnosis remains a challenge for many who care for patients with musculoskeletal complaints.  This is especially so in those with chronic low back pain (LBP) and the minority who will have ankylosing spondylitis or axial spondyloarthritis.

Why do we use TNF inhibitors as our first biologic choice?  Is it the evidence of efficacy, access, safety, and drug retention, or is it a prescriber habit that merits critique?  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) routinely surveys the population prevalence of certain chronic disorders, including arthritis. Respondents were identified as having arthritis if they had ever been told by a health professional that they had some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia.

Dr. Jack Cush provides a perspective on the first year anniversary of RheumNow.com - a site dedicated to delivering the wisdom, art and science of Rheumatology. 

Interchangeability is a major issue that will determine the success of biosimilars.

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) may be complicated with life-threatening conditions requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission.  The outcomes of such complications may be dire, but there are few series addressing the outcomes of those admitted to the ICU. 

Silverman and a panel from the IOF Fracture Working Group reviewed the data and trials to develop guidelines for the use of osteoporosis medications after incident fractures or to treat delayed fracture healing.

A new subspecialty may emerge. New drugs will be approved (but it will be difficult for patients to get coverage for them). And an American team will win the World Series. All these and more: here are predictions for 2017 and beyond from rheumatologists across the country and around the world.  

Doshi and colleagues have conducted a retrospective claims analysis (2009 through 2012) of psoriasis patients on Medicare to examine the use and adherence to those initiating treatment with either infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, or ustekinumab. (Citation source http://buff.ly/1Uf038m)

"Making the complex simple, the simple useful, and the opaque crystal clear." Rheumatologists (plus one non-rheumatologist) from around the world weigh in on RheumNow's impact over the past year.