Arthritis News

Monday, March 14, 2005 Hyaluronate Injection Improves Function of Arthritic Ankle
Investigator-initiated pilot study indicates that sodium hyaluronate provides sustained relief of pain and improved function in patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the ankle...72nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; February 23-27, 2005; Washington, DC.

Sunday, March 13, 2005 Markers of Systemic Inflammation May Be Independent Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Death in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
A new study indicates that ESR may be predictive of CV mortality and suggests that tighter control of inflammation may help improve long-term outcomes for RA patients...Maradit-Kremers H, et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2005;52:722-732.

Friday, March 11, 2005 Rapid Onset of Joint Failure in Mice Lacking Lubricin, the Main Lubricant in Synovial Fluid
A new study of mice lacking the PRG4 gene suggests that it is required to protect the cartilage surface and prevent synovial hyperplasia...Rhee DK, J Clin Invest. 2005; [Epub ahead of print].

Wednesday, March 09, 2005 First CINOD Fails to Show Gastrointestinal Protection in Osteoarthritis Trial
Despite promising preclinical data, an experimental COX-inhibiting nitric oxide donator does not cause fewer ulcers than naproxen in osteoarthritis patients; Astra Zeneca shuts down the project...Lohmander LS. Ann Rheum Dis. 2005;64:449-456

Wednesday, February 23, 2005 New Findings Confirm Predictive Power of Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies in Patients With Very Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
Study offers further evidence that the presence of antibodies to CCP in addition to RF in patients with early inflammatory arthropathy can forecast the development of RA... Raza K, et al. J Rheumatol. 2005;32:231-238.

Saturday, February 19, 2005 FDA Panel Splits 17 to 15 in Favor of Putting Rofecoxib Back on the Market
An FDA advisory panel recommends a strong black box warning for cardiovascular risk, dose restrictions, and strict guidelines to indications for use of Vioxx...US FDA Joint Meeting of the Arthritis Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee; February 18, 2005.

Friday, February 18, 2005 FDA Advisory Panel Votes to Keep Pfizer COX-2 Inhibitors Celecoxib and Valdecoxib on the Market
An FDA advisory panel concluded today that while safety concerns clearly exist with celecoxib and valdecoxib, their overall benefits outweigh potential CV risks... US FDA Joint Meeting of the Arthritis Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee; February 18, 2005.

Friday, February 18, 2005 Public Outcry Over Embattled Pain Relievers at FDA Advisory Panel Hearing
Some called for the withdrawal of all coxibs, while others pleaded for a return of the withdrawn rofecoxib (Vioxx) during public testimony at the FDA advisory meeting... US FDA Joint Meeting of the Arthritis Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee; February 17, 2005.

Friday, February 18, 2005 Despite Proven GI Benefits, Problems Predicted for Newest Coxibs Seeking FDA Approval
Two coxibs currently in the approval pipeline are likely to face substantial hurdles as an FDA advisory panel determines the fate of the COX-2 inhibitor class...US FDA Joint Meeting of the Arthritis Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee; February 17, 2005.

Friday, February 18, 2005 European Medicines Agency Calls Cardiovascular Risk a Class Effect of Coxibs
EMEA calls for stricter labeling and restricted use for COX-2 inhibitors... will the FDA follow suit?  EMEA press release. London, UK; February 17, 2005.