The RheumNow Week in Review – Why Comorbidity is Like the Weather (5.3.18) Save

Dr. Jack Cush discusses the news and journal articles from the past week on RheumNow.com.

1. Sandoz biosimilar version of rituximab set back by a complete response letter from the FDA delaying development of their RTX biosimilar; same recent fate as Celltrions RTX biosimilar. https://t.co/EkikDMU1u8
2. April meeting of European Medicines Agency, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) recommended the approval of new indications for CIMZIA- certolizumab pegol (for plaque psoriasis) and XELJANZ-tofacitinib (for psoriatic arthritis). https://t.co/W4A0AIyZ80
3. Creaky Joints and GHLF survey shows New York patients with chronic health conditions have experienced “non-medical switching” (with unsavory consequences) —insurance coverage reductions which pressure patients to switch their prescription medication; https://t.co/t8z7iXVjqW
4. JAMA Neurology, reports IBD patients have ~30% higher risk of Parkinsons; But early treatment with an anti-TNF gave an almost 80% reduction in parkinsons in those with IBD. https://t.co/YmVUjREyo7
5. Diffuse scleroderma and who are positive for RNA polymerase III autoantibodies (antipol), have a 3 yr risk of cancer that is notably high, SIR=3.13 (95% CI 2.03-4.62, P0.001) https://t.co/7xbtqCXQq1 
6. CDC study of USA death Certificates, between 2000-2015, there were 28,411 female deaths with SLE. SLE in top 20 causes of adult female deaths. For females, SLE ranked 10th for 15-24 yrs; 14th for 25-34 yrs; 14th for 35-44 yrs and 15th for 10-14 yrs. https://t.co/JkLxdrnf1z
7. Genetic Breakthrough in Systemic JIA  
8. Severe Obesity Worsens Disability in Rheumatoid Arthritis  
9. Comorbidities Undermine Clinical Outcomes in Psoriatic Arthritis