RheumNow Podcast – Drug Ad Transparency (6.7.19)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal articles of note from this past week on RheumNow.com.
News
More Trouble for Mallinckrodt’s Acthar Gel
Reuters has reported that Mallinckrodt Plc has tentatively agreed to pay $15.4 million to resolve a US Justice Department investigation into company promotional practices for Acthar gel.
FDA Public Review of CBD Oil
The US Food and Drug Administration convened a public hearing and specialty panel on May 31st to review the potential use, safety and effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) products that do not contain THC.
Proinflammatory Diets May Increase CRP and RA Onset
Despite the lack of good evidence, there has been great speculation about the role of diet in causing or alleviating inflammation. Now there's new research suggesting that proinflammatory diets can increase serum C-reactive protein levels and also the risk of rheumatoid arthritis onset.
Might IL-17 Inhibition Be Effective in RA?
Interleukin 17 (IL-17) inhibitors are highly effective and FDA approved for use in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. However, many of the initial trials were done in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) where it was projected to be effective, but was not. A recent metanalysis examines how effective IL-17 inhibition was in two RA populations: biologic-naïve or tumor necrosis factor inhibitor inadequate responders (TNF-IR).
Knee Injuries Increases Osteoarthritis Risk
A systematic review of the medical literature shows anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), meniscus or combined ACL and meniscus injury significantly increases the risk of future knee osteoarthritis (OA).
Recommendations for Exercise in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Australian researchers have assessed the problem of exercise in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). After posing 10 questions to 11 experts they have provided evidence and consensus-based ecommendations on exercise in AS.
Despite Gout Numbers and Flares, Allopurinol is Underutilized
A population-based survey from South Australia shows that gout flares are common in the community and have a significant effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), yet there is significant undertreatment of gout, even in those on current allopurinol.
ACR Announces New Executive Vice President Steven Echard
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Steven C. Echard, IOM, CAE is the new Executive Vice President (EVP) of the American College of Rheumatology.
RheumNow Podcast – Rituximab Monitoring (5.31.19)
Dr. Jack Cush presents the news and best of rheumatology and medicine from the past week on RheumNow.com
Lupus Disease Control with Rituximab
Rituximab (Rituxan) may be an option for maintenance therapy in patients with difficult-to-treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), European researchers reported.
