FDA Investigates Link Between TNF Blockers and Cancer

The FDA has received 30 reports of cancer in children under the age of 18 who had been treated for JIA with anti-TNF drugs along with other medications, such as methotrexate, or similar immunosuppressant drugs. [...]

How Early Should Psoriatic Arthritis be Treated?

A recent review of treatments for Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) found that the benefit of different therapies depended how widespread the disease was.

Psoriatic arthritis is the second most common cause of joint inflammation. It involves the skin and joints, but may also affect fingers and toes, eyes and the spine. The effect on the [...]

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Anti-TNF vs. DMARDS

Several studies have been conducted into to effectiveness of the newest class of drugs, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha blockers, in treating rheumatoid arthritis. But there have been no published studies comparing TNF-alpha blockers with the older class of drugs, known as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS), such as Remicade (infliximab), Enbrel (etanercept), and Humira (adalimumab).

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Biogen Pulls Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug

Biogen Idec Inc. announced on October 9th that it was discontinuing development of its investigational rheumatoid arthritis (RA) drug baminercept after if failed to meet Phase II study endpoints. [...]

TNF Response May Hold Key for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has been identified as having a key responsibility in many inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There has been substantial research into the early signaling pathways activated by TNF, but there is not much known about the delayed and chronic TNF responses.

In addition, cells called macrophages (cells within the [...]

RA Drugs may also Reduce Cardiovascular Risk

A – Right cartoid artery; B – Normal artery; C – Plaque buildup in artery

Studies have indicated that people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) also have higher risks for developing cardiovascular disease and strokes than the general population. The reasons for this have not been clear. But a recent study does seem to shed [...]

NICE to Review Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug Rationing

In April of 2007, NICE recommended that if a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patient did not respond to 1 of 3 approved anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) drugs they could not try one of the others. But after months of campaigning by 2,000 members of the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, drug companies and patients groups, NICE has agreed to reconsider its previous recommendation. [...]

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