Recent research by Michael Weinblatt, MD, and colleagues has demonstrated that a biosimilar derived from adalimumab is both effective and safe for treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis. But Dr. Weinblatt says, the benefits of such biosimilars hinge on cost and patient access…
(Reuters)—Drug developer Vitae Pharmaceuticals Inc. said its experimental psoriasis drug significantly reduced the skin condition in patients from a mid-stage trial, sending its shares up 70% in after-hours trading. Patients taking a 350 mg dose of the drug, VTP-43742, showed a 24% reduction, while patients who took the 700 mg dose showed a 30% reduction…
In recent Phase 3 clinical trials, Zirletta proved effective in managing pain for patients with knee osteoarthritis, and subcutaneous golimumab helped patients with psoriatic arthritis achieve long-term functional improvement…
Settling into room 501 at Maine Medical Center, Mrs. N was on her way to the bathroom when she felt it coming on. One moment she was okay; the next, her chest felt damp and cold, even as her face flushed and her temperature spiked. Her forehead glistened beads of warm sweat. She felt the…
Ophthalmologists may be more likely to initially diagnose and treat scleritis, an inflammation of the scleral tissues of the eye. However, rheumatologists need to remain aware of the condition as well: It’s commonly associated with rheumatic disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Scleritis can present in the eye anteriorly or posteriorly. “Anterior scleritis can be…
A study that found men with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) died from respiratory-related illness nearly three times as often as the general population could provide insight into possible treatment options and lifestyle changes that would help them live longer. The Study Researchers at the Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System and University of Nebraska Medical…
CR845—an oral, peripherally selective kappa opioid agonist—is currently in Phase 2 trials for the treatment of pruritus, and acute and chronic pain.1 Eighty patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) or knee OA were randomized to receive treatment with 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg or 5.0 mg CR845 twice daily for two weeks. Safety assessment, pharmacokinetics…
SAN FRANCISCO—The Kveim-Siltzbach skin test for a diagnosis of sarcoidosis was developed in 1941, then popularized in 1961. Since then, the knowledge base about the disease has not expanded much, said Kristin Highland, MD, who has dual appointments at Cleveland Clinic’s Respiratory Institute and Orthopedics and Rheumatology Institute. “We don’t know a whole lot more…
SAN FRANCISCO—A 40-year-old woman shows up in the clinic with scarring alopecia, with an area of hyperpigmentation on the rim of her scalp, extending from just behind the temple to behind her ears. An examination with a dermatoscope shows hyperkeratotic follicular plugging. The case—in this example, the discoid form of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (DLE)—is one…
SAN FRANCISCO—Inflammation can be either acute or chronic, and it’s the inflammatory responses that don’t shut down normally, or resolve, that cause tissue damage in rheumatic disease. “Resolution bridges the gap between acute inflammation and adaptive immunity,” said Derek W. Gilroy, PhD, head of the Centre for Clinical Pharmacology and Professor of Immunology at University…