Supported by data in patients with new-onset and relapsing giant cell arteritis (GCA), the FDA approved upadacitinib for the treatment of adults with GCA.

Michele B. Kaufman, PharmD, BCGP, is a freelance medical writer and editor. She is also a pharmacist at New York Presbyterian Hospital–Lower Manhattan campus. She has been a past guest lecturer at Touro College of Pharmacy in New York City for the Medical Writing elective. Dr Kaufman is a member of the New York City Society of Health-Systems Pharmacy, the New York State Council of Health-System Pharmacists, the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP)—Northeast Region Affiliate Chapter, the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists and the Empire State-Metropolitan NY Chapter of the American Medical Writers Association. She received her BS in Pharmacy from the University of Rhode Island (URI) College of Pharmacy and her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences in Boston. She also completed a Drug Information Fellowship at the URI Drug Information Center/Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence, R.I. Dr Kaufman is a registered pharmacist and is a Board-Certified Geriatric Pharmacist.
Supported by data in patients with new-onset and relapsing giant cell arteritis (GCA), the FDA approved upadacitinib for the treatment of adults with GCA.
In late July 2022, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved belimumab (Benlysta) for the treatment of children with active lupus nephritis aged 5 to 17 years old receiving standard therapy.1 Despite recent advances in treatment options for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), those with kidney involvement may develop endstage renal disease and…
In summer 2024, two phase 3 studies were released with promising findings for the treatment of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and those with lupus nephritis. SLE Disease Activity Dapirolizumab pegol is a novel, investigational, Fc-free anti-CD40L agent for people living with moderate to severe SLE.1 The randomized, double-blind, parallel-group PHOENYCS GO trial (N=321)…
Lupus nephritis is one of the leading causes of mortality for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and patients with both SLE and end-stage renal disease have standardized mortality ratios more than 60 times that of patients with SLE with normal kidney function.1 The good news: Rheumatologists now have not one, but two approved options…
Initial findings from a phase 2b clinical trial demonstrate the safety and efficacy of three different daily doses of SAP-001 to lower the serum urate levels of patients with refractory gout.
Based on research showing improved signs and symptoms of systemic sclerosis in patients taking cilnidipine vs. placebo, the FDA granted orphan drug designation for the agent.
Nipocalimab, an investigational monoclonal antibody that blocks FcRn and reduces levels of circulating immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, has received the FDA’s breakthrough therapy designation for the treatment of Sjögren’s disease.
Based on research in post-surgery patients, the FDA approved suzetrigine, a non-opioid analgesic, for the treatment moderate to severe, acute pain in adults.
The FDA approved an oral solution of colchicine for the prevention of gout flare in adults. Its dosage can be easily adjusted on the basis of patient needs.
Results from two studies found that deucravacitinib improved the signs and symptoms of patients with psoriatic arthritis who were biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug naive and those previously treated with a tumor necrosis factor α inhibitor.