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Found 208 result(s) FROM 1963 pages containing the term 'SLE'.
Wednesday Mar 03, 2010
Patients Speak Out About the Pain of Fibromyalgia
Sometimes the best way to learn about a disease is to listen to the patients who suffer from it...
Wednesday Nov 04, 2009
Joan T. Merrill, MD, Answers Your Top Five Questions About Benlysta and Lupus
Benlysta™ (belimumab, formerly LymphoStat-B®) is poised to be the first new lupus drug approved in 50 years...
Thursday Oct 29, 2009
Bug Spray Linked to RA, Lupus
Startling new data from ACR suggest that household insecticide use increases women's risk of two autoimmune diseases...
Thursday Oct 29, 2009
Benlysta May Be the First New Lupus Drug in 50 Years
Benlysta™ (belimumab, formerly LymphoStat-B®) is poised to be the first new lupus drug in 50 years...
Wednesday Oct 07, 2009
TNF Blockade in SLE? The Plot Thickens
Brief therapy with 4 infusions of infliximab plus azathioprine produces relatively safe, durable improvements in refractory lupus nephritis...
Tuesday Sep 15, 2009
Neuro Exams a Must for Fibromyalgia Patients
Fibromyalgia patients have neurological abnormalities that may correlate with objective FM exam findings and influence treatment decisions...
Tuesday Aug 18, 2009
CBT Helps OA Patients Get Their ZZZs
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help osteoarthritis (OA) patients sleep better and hurt less...
Wednesday Aug 05, 2009
Lupus with Leucopenia, Anemia Signals Risk of Leukemia
Lupus patients with persistent leucopenia or anemia may be at risk for myeloid leukemia...
Tuesday Jul 21, 2009
Belimumab Meets Lupus Phase 3 Endpoint
Benlysta® (belimumab, formerly LymphoStat-B) was significantly better that standard care in the phase 3 BLISS-52 trial...
Wednesday Jun 03, 2009
DHEA Intensifies Calcium, Vitamin D Effect on BMD
Adding DHEA to calcium and vitamin D significantly increases spine BMD in older women (but not in men) and might be a good thing, provided the women don't have family cancer risk and don't need to pass any sports doping tests...
Thursday May 28, 2009
Supreme Court to Hear Vioxx Case
The US Supreme Court will decide whether Merck should be protected from Vioxx shareholder suits...
Friday May 15, 2009
FDA Going Back for Second Look At Menaflex
The US FDA, responding to criticism about the Menaflex approval process, is planning to take another look...
Monday Apr 27, 2009
Two Big Steps for Lupus Nephritis Research
Genes that encode CXCR4/CXCL12 and kallikrein help determine whether lupus patients will develop kidney damage...
Tuesday Apr 21, 2009
Lupus Damage at 10 Years Predicts Mortality
More than half of all lupus patients accrue damage within 10 years of their diagnosis, and these patients are at greater risk for death as a result...
Friday Apr 17, 2009
Naltrexone May Offer Low-Cost Help for Fibromyalgia
Low doses of naltrexone provided significant pain relief in a pilot study in fibromyalgia...
Thursday Apr 09, 2009
Rituximab May Help Some Severe Lupus Nephritis Cases
Rituximab treatment that achieves early B-cell depletion in cases of severe lupus nephritis can induced complete or partial remission in 60% of patients...
Wednesday Apr 08, 2009
FDA Warns Pharma on "Sponsored Links"
FDA has warned 14 pharmaceutical companies about the brief ads that accompany internet search results...
Monday Mar 16, 2009
Chondrolysis Seen With Local Anesthetic After Shoulder Surgery
Local anesthetic infused into the shoulder joint after arthroscopy can destroy shoulder cartilage...
Wednesday Feb 25, 2009
Obesity “A Musculoskeletal Nightmare” for Joint Replacement
Obesity increases complication rates, and the super-obese should lose weight before having hip or knee replacement...
Monday Jan 26, 2009
4 Factors in Lupus Noncompliance
Lupus patients cite specific reasons for taking (or not taking) their meds. Changes in physician-patient communications might fix some of these problems...
Tuesday Jan 20, 2009
Tricyclic Antidepressants Best for Fibromylagia
Some antidepressants can dramatically improve fibromyalgia symptoms...
Friday Oct 31, 2008
Overnight Femoral Nerve Block As Good As 4-Day Block for Knee Replacement Pain
An overnight femoral nerve block improves function as well as a 4-day continuous femoral nerve block following total knee arthroplasty, although the continuous femoral nerve block may offer other advantages…
Thursday Oct 30, 2008
Old Malaria Drug Reduces Diabetes Risk in RA, Protects Kidneys in Lupus
The inexpensive old drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) shows remarkable protective ability against diabetes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and against renal disease in patients with lupus...
Tuesday Aug 26, 2008
Review Discourages Use of Amitriptyline in Fibromyalgia, but May Not Be the Last Word
A review of studies of the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline (Elavil) for fibromyalgia was generally discouraging, but questions have been raised about the quality of studies included…
Monday Aug 25, 2008
Annals of Internal Medicine Study Says Merck ADVANTAGE Trial Was Marketing Dressed Up as Science
New findings based on internal Merck records disclosed during litigation show that ADVANTAGE (Assessment of Differences between Vioxx and Naproxen To Ascertain Gastrointestinal Tolerability and Effectiveness) was actually a seeding trial designed to support a marketing campaign before Vioxx’s launch…
Wednesday Aug 06, 2008
Statins May Help Bone Healing
Statins may improve bone healing, according to new research in an animal model of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)…
Thursday Jul 31, 2008
Antidepressants Pass Analgesic Muster for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Back Pain
Antidepressants can relieve the pain associated with some rheumatic conditions including fibromyalgia and chronic low back pain, but they may not have such pain-killing effects in other related diseases…
Thursday Jul 24, 2008
Lupus No Longer Seen As Complete Contraindication to Oral Contraceptive Use
Oral contraceptives, long considered a risk for women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), are now often considered for women with inactive or stable SLE…
Thursday Jul 10, 2008
A List of Drugs That Increase Falling Risk
Many common prescription seizure medications, painkillers, and antidepressants may elevate the risk of falling among older patients...
Tuesday Jul 01, 2008
Fibromyalgia and Cognition
Some fibromyalgia patients suffer from cognitive problems that mimic roughly 20 years of aging…
Tuesday Jun 24, 2008
Treatment Adherence in Patients with RA and SLE
Many RA and SLE patients report problems with treatment adherence; race, education, and treatment side effects are the most influential factors on adherence…
Tuesday Jun 17, 2008
Fibromyalgia Among Major Depression Disorder Females Compared to Males
Depression is associated with fibromyalgia among female patients, but not males…
Monday Jun 16, 2008
Promising Epratuzumab Corticosteroid-Sparing Data Leads to Re-Start of Phase III Studies in Lupus
Phase III studies of epratuzumab in systemic lupus erythematosus have resumed after analysis of early data showed steroid-sparing effects...
Monday Jun 16, 2008
Belimumab is Back: New Criteria Show Activity in SLE
The humanized monoclonal antibody belimumab showed significant activity in the extension of a phase II clinical trial for SLE as measured by new, FDA-approved assessment criteria...
Wednesday Jun 11, 2008
Merck Announces Initiation of Second Phase II/III Pivotal Clinical Study of Atacicept in SLE
Merck and development partner ZymoGenetics have initiated a phase II/III trial of atacicept (formerly TACI-Ig) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Atacicept inhibits the two growth factors BLyS and APRIL that are known to impact disease progression...
Monday Jun 09, 2008
Jazz Pharmaceuticals Completes Enrollment in First of Two Phase III Clinical Trials of Sodium Oxybate (Xyrem®) to Treat FMS
Jazz Pharmaceuticals, a specialty pharmaceutical company, announced completion of enrollment in the first of two phase III pivotal clinical trials of JZP-6 (sodium oxybate, Xyrem®) for the treatment of fibromyalgia...
Monday May 19, 2008
AACE Experts Warn of Vitamin D Problems in Vegans, Urge Routine Monitoring in Osteoporosis Patients
Vitamin D deficiency research reported at the 2008 American Association for Clinical Endocrinology meetings included a warning about vegan diets, evidence that osteoporosis patients in treatment are still not getting enough vitamin D, and evidence that even a hip fracture does not lead to adequate vitamin D therapy...
Thursday May 08, 2008
More Evidence that Walking Barefoot is Better for Arthritic Knees Than Wearing Shoes
Shoes increase stress on knee joints compared with walking barefoot and might contribute to progression of osteoarthritis...
Thursday May 01, 2008
Genentech, Biogen Idec Report Phase II/III Trial of Rituxan® Fails to Meet Primary or Secondary Endpoints in Lupus
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter phase II/III study of Rituxan® (rituximab) for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) did not meet its primary endpoint or any of the six secondary endpoints...
Thursday May 01, 2008
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Reports Positive 12-Month Interim Antibody Data From Phase III Study of Riquent® for SLE; Significant, Sustained Reductions Observed in Antibodies to dsDNA
Analyses of data in the first 125 randomized patients indicate that for all patients treated with Riquent® compared with placebo, there were significantly greater reductions in antibodies to double-stranded (ds) DNA...
Wednesday Apr 30, 2008
Grim Picture Painted for Lupus 5-Year Mortality Risk
Despite some advances in treatment, recently diagnosed lupus patients still face elevated risks of death within 5 years of their diagnosis when compared with lupus-free controls…
Friday Apr 11, 2008
FDA Warns of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy With CellCept
FDA informed healthcare professionals that it is investigating a potential association between the use of mycophenolate mofetil and development of PML...
Wednesday Apr 02, 2008
DEXA Scans, Serum Testosterone, Vitamin D Tests Urged for Men Over 70
Osteoporosis in men is a common problem and requires more aggressive diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of response...
Wednesday Apr 02, 2008
New, Easy-to-Use Resting Energy Expenditure Equations for RA
Easy-to-implement new resting energy expenditure (REE) equations that take rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-induced hypermetabolism into account may help better monitor resting metabolism in RA patients without relying on sophisticated, time-consuming, and expensive indirect calorimetry…
Tuesday Apr 01, 2008
Trubion Announces SBI-087, a Fully Humanized CD20-directed Compound, as Next-Generation Product Candidate for RA and SLE; TRU-015 to Enter Phase IIb RA Clinical Trial
Trubion Pharmaceuticals, Inc announced that its collaboration partner Wyeth Pharmaceuticals has filed an investigational new drug (IND) application for SBI-087 for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and clinical trial sites are preparing to enroll patients in a phase I study...
Thursday Mar 27, 2008
High Dose IVIg May Prevent Miscarriage in Lupus Pregnancies
High dose intravenous immunoglubulin (IVIg) therapy may help pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who have a history of recurrent miscarriage improve their disease and pregnancy outcomes…
Thursday Mar 20, 2008
Two-Pronged Strategy for Treating PAH in Lupus or Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
Lupus or MCTD patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) should be treated with cyclophosphamide and glucocorticoids, with added pulmonary vasodilators in more severe cases...
Tuesday Mar 18, 2008
'Boot Camps' Treat Pain Sufferers
An intensive 4-week program works to alleviate chronic pain through biological, psychological, and social approaches…
Monday Mar 10, 2008
Avoidable Hospitalizations Common Among Older, Poorer SLE Patients
Rheumatologists have a key role in preventing avoidable hospitalizations among older, poorer patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)…
Wednesday Mar 05, 2008
AAOS Researchers Provide New Look at Steroid-Induced Osteonecrosis
Steroid-induced osteonecrosis tends to resolve in SLE patients when the underlying disease is under control but tends to advance after SLE recurs. In patients with steroid-induced hip osteonecrosis, shoulder damage is likely to result in joint collapse within 15 years if not treated...
Thursday Feb 28, 2008
Adult Stem Cells Nearing Clinical Use for RA, SLE, Other Autoimmune Diseases
Adult stem cells offer a safer, less controversial approach than embryonic stem cells to treat various rheumatoid and autoimmune diseases, and are now entering randomized clinical trials...
Tuesday Feb 19, 2008
RA Doubles Risk for Depression, but Rheumatologists Seldom Notice
Depression should appear on the rheumatologist's radar screen when treating patients with RA...
Tuesday Feb 19, 2008
Duloxetine, Milnacipran Studies in Fibromyalgia Reported
Duloxetine (Lilly's Cymbalta®) and milnacipran (Cypress Bioscience's Ixel®) studies report promising but mixed results...
Monday Feb 11, 2008
Chronic Pain Harms Brain's Wiring
Patients with chronic low back pain experience a constant firing of neurons in the front region of the cortex, which could cause permanent damage...
Thursday Feb 07, 2008
Lupus Myocarditis More Common in African Americans, Linked to Shorter Survival
African-American lupus patients and those with more active lupus at diagnosis are at greater risk for lupus-related myocarditis, which is associated with shorter survival...
Tuesday Feb 05, 2008
Cochrane Reviewers Find Little Evidence That Antidepressants Help Chronic Low Back Pain
A Cochrane Review found little evidence to support the common practice of prescribing antidepressants for patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain...
Tuesday Jan 29, 2008
Newer Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs Lower Production of B Cells
New findings suggest that drugs such as Enbrel®, Humira®, and Remicade® reduce activity of abnormal B-cells, benefiting the patient's immune system...
Wednesday Jan 23, 2008
ZymoGenetics, Merck Serono Gain Special Protocol Assessment from US FDA for Atacicept (TACI-Ig) in General SLE
ZymoGenetics, Inc and its partner Merck Serono Intl has received agreement from the US FDA for studies that are intended to support an application for marketing authorization of atacicept in the US for the treatment of SLE...
Tuesday Jan 22, 2008
Four Research Groups Report New Lupus Genes
A major international collaborative that includes European and North American lupus researchers, government agencies, research foundations, and industry has discovered four new lupus-related genes and may increase interest in the B-cell-receptor signaling pathway and in inflammatory cell adhesion as potential therapeutic targets...
Tuesday Jan 22, 2008
Dermal Mucin in Alopecia Areata - Tell Tale Sign or Incidental Finding?
Dermal deposition of mucin may serve as a clue for diagnosing lupus in alopecia patients…
Friday Jan 18, 2008
Third Study Finds No Gain to Bracing Knee After ACL Reconstruction
Functional knee braces are widely used for patients returning to sports or other activity following ACL reconstruction, but a randomized, controlled trial found that the costly braces are no better than neoprene sleeves—and probably no better than not bracing at all...
Thursday Jan 03, 2008
Practice Tips: Using Color or Power Doppler Ultrasound in Rheumatology
Danish researchers have proposed settings for Doppler ultrasound (US) designed to improve detection of inflammation, visualized as hyperemia in locations such as the synovial membrane...
Thursday Dec 06, 2007
Drug Update: Rituximab
Repeat rituximab was notably effective in patients with DMARD-resistant RA, and the B-cell depleting agent is being tested in pediatric SLE and in Sjögren's syndrome...
Friday Nov 30, 2007
Drug Update: Abatacept
Researchers continue to argue for the cost-effectiveness of abatacept in treatment-resistant rheumatoid arthritis, but a real-world analysis raises questions about responses in routine clinical use. Safety data show no increased risk of malignancies or infection...
Wednesday Nov 28, 2007
Update on Joint Replacement
Total joint replacement has reduced pain and disability in elderly patients with arthritis. The procedure is cost-effective even for high-risk patients, but it is associated with higher risk for cardiac complications if both joints are replaced during the same procedure, and it might be chosen by more African-American patients if finances were less of an issue...
Wednesday Nov 14, 2007
Fish Oil May Improve Symptoms and Endothelial Function in SLE
Omega-3 fish oil may reduce lupus disease activity and improve endothelial function...
Thursday Nov 08, 2007
Biomarkers May Identify Risk for Preeclampsia in Lupus Pregnancies
Measuring levels of circulating antiangiogenic factors sFlt-1 and sEng may help identify which patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and/or antiphospholipid antibodies will develop preeclampsia...
Monday Nov 05, 2007
Lab-on-a-Chip Promises Fast Profile of RA Patients' Autoantibodies
A new technique promises fast, inexpensive serum antibody profiling in RA patients without the need for fluorescent labeling or preprocessing...
Wednesday Oct 31, 2007
BREAKING NEWS: FDA Heightens Warning About Miscarriage, Birth Defects With Drug Used Off-Label for Lupus Nephritis
FDA has raised the warning level for mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) from Category C to Category D (positive evidence of fetal risk)...
Wednesday Oct 31, 2007
Coley Initiates Phase I Study of First-in-Class TLR Antagonist, CPG 52364, for the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Coley Pharmaceutical Group, Inc, an international biopharmaceutical company having a pipeline of Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) therapeutic product candidates, announced that it has dosed its first subject in a phase I study of its novel, orally-available TLR Therapeutic drug candidate for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)...
Friday Oct 26, 2007
Rituximab May "Reboot" Immune System in Some Lupus Patients
A subgroup of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients treated with rituximab to deplete B-cells have delayed recovery of memory B-cells in addition to a prolonged response, suggesting that treatment helps "reboot" the immune system...
Friday Oct 19, 2007
Lilly Acquires Exclusive Rights to MacroGenics' Humanized Anti-CD3 Monoclonal Antibody and Will Collaborate to Develop Autoimmune Disease Treatments
Eli Lilly and Co and MacroGenics, Inc have entered into a global strategic alliance to develop and commercialize teplizumab (MGA031 or hOKT3γ1(Ala-Ala)), a humanized, non-Fc receptor binding, anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, as well as other potential next generation anti-CD3 molecules, for use in the treatment of multiple T–cell-mediated autoimmune diseases...
Thursday Oct 18, 2007
Coxibs, NSAIDs Have Little Effect on MI Risk
A review of data from RCTs and observational studies found low MI risk with either coxibs or NSAIDs (highest with rofecoxib), and significantly fewer serious upper GI events with coxibs...
Tuesday Oct 16, 2007
Prolonged IV Antibiotics Produce No Lasting Benefit in Post-Lyme Cognitive Problems
The fourth randomized clinical trial to test prolonged antibiotic therapy in patients previously treated for Lyme disease confirms the lack of lasting improvement in cognitive function reported in the early studies...
Wednesday Oct 03, 2007
First Case Reported of Lupus Erythematosus Tumidus Induced by Sex Reassignment Surgery
Environmental triggers contribute to lupus pathogenesis, and the hormone regimens used in male-to-female sex reassignment can induce lupus-like symptoms...
Wednesday Sep 26, 2007
Wanted: Lupus Patients for Clinical Trials
The lupus therapeutic landscape is changing slowly but dramatically, and more patients are needed to help speed the development of new drugs…
Thursday Sep 20, 2007
Researchers Identify Additional RA, SLE Genes
Genetics researchers report a new variant on chromosome 9 associated with anti-CCP-positive RA and a mutation of STAT4 on chromosome 2q associated with both RA and lupus...
Friday Sep 14, 2007
Autoantibodies Associated With Lupus Can Be Removed by Plasmapheresis
Antibodies against the VRT101 laminin epitope correlate with SLE disease activity and can be removed by extracorporeal immunoadsorption...Amital H, et al. Rheumatology. 2007; doi:10.1093/rheumatology/kem181 [Epub ahead of print].
Thursday Sep 13, 2007
Hormone Therapy Does Not Worsen Lupus But May Increase Thrombosis Risk
Menopause hormonal therapy does not worsen lupus disease activity or trigger disease flares but may add to an already high risk of thrombosis in women with SLE...
Wednesday Sep 05, 2007
Rheumatologists Asked to Take Lead in Reducing Cardiovascular Risk in RA Patients
The chronic inflammation that characterizes many rheumatoid diseases is thought to be one cause of the higher rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) that afflicts these patients. Experts say not enough is being done to educate patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) about the importance of early CV protection, and that early education is critical—before clinically apparent CVD is detectable...van Leuven SI, et al. Rheumatology. 2007; rheumatology/kem202 [Epub ahead of print]; John H, et al. Rheumatology. 2007; doi:10.1093/rheumatology/kem176 [Epub ahead of print].
Friday Aug 31, 2007
Pulse IVMP Treatment May Decline With the Advent of New Lupus Therapies
Intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) still plays an important role in treating acute flares among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but its role in acute flares and long-term treatment of lupus nephritis and of nonrenal lupus manifestations may require reevaluation as new treatments become available…Parker BJ, et al. Lupus. 2007;16(6):387-393.
Tuesday Aug 21, 2007
Immunomedics' Epratuzumab Targets Blood B-Cells and Modulates Activation and Proliferation of B-Cells in Lupus Patients
Immunomedics, Inc, a biopharmaceutical company focusing on developing monoclonal antibodies to treat autoimmune diseases and cancer, reported results from a study showing epratuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the CD22 antigen found on peripheral blood B-cells, inhibits the increased activation and proliferation of B-cells in patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) versus normal subjects...
Monday Aug 13, 2007
Can B-Cell Depletion With Rituximab Trigger Psoriasis?
New case studies linking rituximab therapy for RA and SLE with new-onset psoriasis may call for caution on the ever-expanding use of the B-cell depleting drug...Dass S, et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2007;56:2715-2718.
Monday Aug 13, 2007
Hydroxychloroquine May Stave Off Lupus Onset
A provocative study suggests that giving hydroxychloroquine to lupus patients at the first symptom may delay or even prevent the development of full-blown SLE…James J, et al. Lupus. 2007;16:401-409.
Wednesday Aug 01, 2007
MedImmune Initiates Phase Ib Multidose Trial of Anti-Interferon-α Monoclonal Antibody in Lupus Patients
MedImmune, Inc, a biopharmaceutical company focused on fully human antibody-based therapeutics, announced it has begun a phase Ib multidose clinical trial with MEDI-545, a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting interferon-α, in lupus patients.
Friday Jun 22, 2007
Belimumab Improves Symptoms in Nearly Half of Lupus Patients at 52 Weeks, Advances to Phase III Studies
Belimumab produces sustained improvement in SLE symptoms…
Friday Jun 15, 2007
Has the Increasing Use of Anti-TNF Drugs Led to a Rise in Cases of Drug-Induced Lupus? Study Says Yes
The increasing use of TNFα inhibitors to treat rheumatic, digestive, and cutaneous diseases has led to a corresponding rise in the number of cases of drug-induced lupus...
Thursday Jun 14, 2007
Modifed-Release Prednisone Tablet Reduces Morning Stiffness
Study highlights new approach to prednisolone delivery that synchronizes with the circadian rhythms of endogenous cortisol and RA symptoms…
Friday Jun 01, 2007
HGS and GSK Initiate Second Phase III Clinical Trial of LymphoStat-BR (Belimumab) in Lupus
Human Genome Sciences, Inc. announced that dosing has begun in BLISS-52, the second of two pivotal phase III clinical trials of LymphoStat-B® (belimumab), a human monoclonal antibody that inhibits B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS®), in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Thursday May 24, 2007
Is Mycophenolate Mofetil Plus Steroid Now Standard Therapy for Lupus Nephritis?
Mycophenolate mofetil plus corticosteroids may emerge as the de facto standard for lupus nephritis, even without regulatory approval...
Thursday May 24, 2007
SLE Experts Highlight Need for Targeted Therapies
SLE treatment has improved, but not enough, and more targeted therapies may be the answer...
Wednesday May 23, 2007
New SLE Treatments Hit B-Cells From Several Directions
Various new treatments directed at B-cells offer mounting interest in SLE arsenal...
Tuesday May 22, 2007
Not Just Dust: Microparticles Suspected of Role in Lupus
Microparticles released from plasma membranes may be key to some of the autoimmune disturbances found in SLE patients...
Tuesday May 22, 2007
Environment Interaction Seen As Next Step in Lupus Genetics
New gene analysis techniques have led to the discovery and characterization of several genes associated with SLE...
Friday May 18, 2007
Little Benefit Found for Amitriptyline in JIA, But New Research Design May Speed Clinical Trials
Amitriptyline is ineffective for JIA pain, but multiple serial N-of-1 trials plus Bayesian meta-analysis can be used with low patient numbers to weed out treatments that don't merit study in large clinical trials...
Friday May 11, 2007
Lupus Gene Protects Against Malaria, But Does Malaria Also Prevent Lupus?
A mutation that renders the FcγRIIb receptor nonfunctional vastly improves monocytes' ability to clear malaria parasites, protects lupus-prone mice against malarial disease, and may explain the high prevalence of lupus in some population groups. Interestingly, there is also some evidence suggesting that the body's response to malarial infection might reduce lupus severity in some situations...Clatworthy MR, et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2007;104:7169-7174.
Thursday May 03, 2007
Parental Responses May Perpetuate Catastrophizing in Adolescents With Chronic Pain
Parents of adolescents who have chronic musculoskeletal pain may be unwittingly encouraging a psychological pattern that worsens both pain intensity and functional disability in their children...
Tuesday May 01, 2007
Rituximab Plus Cyclophosphamide May Be an Option for Patients With Refractory Lupus Nephritis
A new 6-month pilot study suggests that rituximab (RituxanR) plus cyclophosphamide leads to clinical and histopathologic improvements in patients with therapy-resistant proliferative lupus nephritis...
Friday Apr 27, 2007
Estrogen Exposure May Increase Lupus Risk
Lupus affects nine women for every one man. Is estrogen to blame?...
Thursday Apr 26, 2007
Cellerant's Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplants Improve Survival and Disease Symptoms in Lupus Mouse Model
Cellerant Therapeutics Inc, a clinical-stage biotechnology company with a portfolio of products and services under development for the regulation of the hematopoietic system, announced data suggesting that established autoimmune disease can be reversed or stabilized by the transplantation of highly purified allogeneic, hematopoietic adult stem cells (HSC) in a mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)...
Thursday Apr 19, 2007
Little High-Quality Evidence Found for Either Diagnosis or Treatment of Septic Arthritis
A systematic review of research on septic arthritis finds little reliable evidence to guide either diagnosis or management. The review identifies antibiotic choice, route of administration, and duration as key unanswered questions, as well as whether closed aspiration or open arthroscopy/arthrotomy is better for cleaning out an infected joint...
Tuesday Mar 20, 2007
CYC Better Than AZA for Lupus Nephritis; Repeat Renal Biopsy Adds Little Useful Data
Azathioprine/methylprednisolone is inferior to pulse cyclophosphamide (CYC) for proliferative lupus nephritis...
Friday Mar 09, 2007
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Reports Positive Interim Antibody Results From Riquent® Lupus Phase III Trial; Results Imply Greater Probability of Clinical Benefit in the Treatment of Lupus Renal Disease as a Trial Outcome
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company, a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, announced positive interim antibody results from its ongoing double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized phase III trial of Riquent® (abetimus sodium), its drug candidate for the treatment of renal disease in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Thursday Mar 08, 2007
Stroke Specialists Urge More Attention to Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension, Baseline Lupus Activity as Predictors for Stroke
An 8-year longitudinal study of 238 lupus patients targets baseline SLE activity, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension as predictors of severe ischemic strokes and recommends aggressive intervention...
Monday Mar 05, 2007
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company Implements Several Modifications and Updates Status of Phase III Riquent® Study for the Treatment of Lupus Renal Disease
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company (SAN DIEGO, California) announced its continued progress in enrolling patients in its phase III clinical trial of Riquent® (abetimus sodium) for the treatment of lupus renal disease.
Monday Feb 26, 2007
Lupus Patients Clear UV-Damaged "Sunburn Cells" but May Have Unusual Inflammatory Reaction to Them
Sunlight can trigger new skin lesions and worsen disease activity in lupus; this might reflect an abnormal inflammatory response to UV-damaged cells, despite the ability to clear them normally from the epidermis...
Wednesday Feb 21, 2007
XDx Partners with the University of Minnesota and the Feinstein Institute to Develop Molecular Diagnostics to Improve the Clinical Management of Lupus
XDx Inc, a molecular diagnostics company that focuses on immune-mediated diseases, announced the signing of an agreement with the University of Minnesota to exclusively license key intellectual property assets in the field of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Tuesday Feb 20, 2007
Suspect CVID if Lupus Patients Have Recurrent Sinus Infections
Rheumatologists should suspect CVID in lupus patients with recurrent sinopulmonary infections in the absence of lupus activity and/or immunosuppressive treatment. Treatment with gammaglobulins may be highly effective for this rare but potentially deadly disease...
Thursday Feb 15, 2007
HGS and GSK Initiate Phase III Clinical Trial of LymphoStat-B® in Lupus
Human Genome Sciences, Inc and GlaxoSmithKline PLC announced the initiation of dosing in BLISS-76, one of two pivotal phase III clinical trials of LymphoStat-B® (belimumab, a human monoclonal antibody that blocks the biological activity of B-lymphocyte stimulator, or BLyS®) in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)...
Tuesday Feb 13, 2007
Rheumatologists Advised to Be Alert for Signs of Serum Sickness in Rituximab-Treated Patients
The first case of rituximab-induced serum sickness in a patient without an underlying autoimmune disorder suggests that this problem might be under-recognized in RA and SLE patients...
Friday Jan 19, 2007
Hazardous Waste Exposure Increases Early SLE Risk in Subgroup of African-American Women with GST Polymorphisms
Living near a hazardous waste site was not associated with risk of earlier lupus diagnosis for most African-American women surveyed in the Roxbury Lupus Project, but did increase risk for a subgroup of women who carry certain glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms...
Monday Jan 08, 2007
Ethanol Prevents Joint Destruction in Mouse RA Model
Arthritis-prone mice obliged to drink 10% ethanol for 5 weeks were largely protected from developing destructive joint disease...
Monday Jan 08, 2007
MedImmune In-Licenses from Japan Tobacco anti-ICOS Monoclonal Antibody for Inflammatory Diseases
MedImmune, Inc announced an exclusive license agreement with Japan Tobacco, Inc (JT), for a human monoclonal antibody inhibiting inducible costimulator (ICOS), a protein associated with T-cell activation that plays a key role in controlling adaptive immune responses.
Friday Dec 22, 2006
New Studies Suggest That Autoantibodies Damage Brain, Cause Cognitive Impairment in SLE Patients
The cognition and mood disturbances common in lupus patients might be due in part to autoantibodies that target the NMDA receptor and cause progressive damage of the amygdala and hippocampus...
Thursday Dec 21, 2006
ZymoGenetics and Serono Begin Phase II Clinical Trial with Atacicept (TACI-Ig) in RA
ZymoGenetics, Inc and Serono announced the start of a phase II clinical trial of their investigational therapeutic atacicept (formerly TACI-Ig) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, dose-finding study will investigate the efficacy of atacicept in patients with an inadequate disease response to prior treatment with TNF inhibitors.
Thursday Dec 21, 2006
Peripheral Sensory Neuropathy in Lupus—Is Vitamin B6 Toxicity to Blame? —Updated
As growing numbers of Americans turn to vitamin and mineral supplements to boost their health, a new case report showing that vitamin B6 toxicity may have caused peripheral sensory neuropathy in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is cause for concern...
Tuesday Dec 19, 2006
FDA Warns of Fatal PML Risk With Rituximab Treatment
FDA reports deaths of two lupus patients treated with rituximab, warns of PML risk...
Thursday Nov 30, 2006
Pregnant Women with SLE Face High Risk of Death, Infection
Pregnant women with lupus need to be followed closely by both a rheumatologist and an obstetrician experienced in high-risk pregnancies, as these women are at increased risks of mortality, infection, and other serious complications during gestation...
Monday Nov 20, 2006
Pregabalin Offers Durable Pain Relief in Fibromyalgia
The anticonvulsant pregabalin may offer extended pain relief to fibromyalgia patients... Crofford LJ, et al. Presented at: ACR 2006 Meeting.
Thursday Nov 16, 2006
Immunomedic, UCB Phase III Trial of Epratuzumab in Lupus Patients No Longer on Clinical Hold
Immunomedics, Inc (MORRIS Plains, New Jersey), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, announced that their partner, UCB, SA (BRUSSELS, Belgium) has received notification from the US FDA that the clinical hold on existing trials with epratuzumab (a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting the B-cell specific surface antigen CD22) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been lifted.
Thursday Nov 16, 2006
CDC Pushes to Put CFS on Doctor's Radar Screen
A new public education campaign by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aims to convince healthcare providers that chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is real and needs to be more effectively recognized and treated... CDC Press Conference, November 3, 2006.
Wednesday Nov 08, 2006
Steroids May Prevent Lupus Flares in Some Patients with Stable SLE
Intervening with moderate doses of steroids can prevent lupus flares in the subgroup of patients with stable disease but rising anti-dsDNA and C3 levels...
Thursday Oct 19, 2006
Access to TNF-Blockers Severely Limited in UK
Access to TNF-inhibitor treatment is limited even for British RA patients who meet official guidelines for treatment, and is even more limited for patients with psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis ... Kay, LJ, et al. Rheumatology. 2006 Oct 11; [Epub ahead of print].
Thursday Oct 12, 2006
Aspreva Achieves Targeted Patient Enrollment in Phase III Clinical Trial for CellCept In Lupus Nephritis
Aspreva Pharmaceuticals Corporation, an emerging pharmaceutical company focused on identifying, developing, and commercializing new indications for approved drugs and late-stage drug candidates for patients living with less common diseases, announced the completion of the targeted enrollment of 358 patients in its global 117-site phase III clinical trial for CellCept® (mycophenolate mofetil, F. Hoffmann-La Roche) in the treatment of lupus nephritis...
Wednesday Oct 11, 2006
Experts Debate Effect of Menopause on SLE
Lupus improves over time regardless of menopausal status…Urowitz, M, et al. J Rheum. 2006 Sept 15; [Epub ahead of print].
Monday Oct 02, 2006
La Jolla Pharmaceutical to Expand Number of Clinical Trial Sites for Its Phase III International Trial of Riquent for the Treatment of Lupus Renal Disease
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company (SAN DIEGO, Calif.), a biotechnology company developing therapeutics for antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases and inflammation, announced progress and the expansion of its phase III trial of Riquent® (abetimus sodium, previously referred to as LJP 394) for the treatment of lupus renal disease, a leading cause of sickness and death in patients with lupus.
Wednesday Sep 27, 2006
UCB, Immunomedic Phase III of Epratuzumab in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus on Clinical Hold
UCB, SA, licensing partner of Immunomedics, Inc. (Morris Plains, NJ), announced that it has voluntarily, temporarily suspended dosing in the phase III clinical studies of epratuzumab (humanized anti-CD22 antibody) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) because of end-stage manufacturing observations by UCB during a recent routine quality assurance audit of the Immunomedics facilities.
Tuesday Sep 26, 2006
New Markers Predict Lupus Kidney, Heart Risks
Cholesterol, homocysteine, and hs-CRP show promise as markers for elevated risk in lupus patients. Tisseverasinghe A, et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2006; 54:2211-2219; Von Feldt JM, et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2006; 54:2220-2227; Karadag O, et al. Clin Rheumatol. 2006; [Epub ahead of print]
Monday Sep 18, 2006
Most Stomach Pain in Childhood Lupus Needs High-Dose Steroids, Not Laparotomy
Patients with childhood-onset lupus who present with abdominal pain likely are suffering flares of the underlying SLE and in most cases should receive high doses of corticosteroids—not be rushed to surgery for presumed appendicitis... Richer O, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2006;3 July 2006; [Epub ahead of print]
Monday Sep 11, 2006
Small, Portable In-Office MRI Can Monitor Response to Therapy in RA
As RA treatments become more effective and expensive, monitoring response to therapy becomes more important. Two new studies suggest that small, portable MRI devices might help...
Thursday Sep 07, 2006
Overall Lupus Mortality Drops, but SLE Cardiovascular Death Rates Increase
As death rates continue to plummet in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), physicians need to treat cardiovascular symptoms aggressively while balancing the need for immune suppressant therapy against the risk of fatal infection... Bernatsky S, et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2006;54:2550-2557
Friday Sep 01, 2006
NMDA Receptor Antibodies Tied to Depression in Lupus, But Not to Cognitive Changes
Anti-NR2 antibodies, which target the NMDA receptor, are associated with depression in patients with lupus but not with cognitive dysfunction... Lapteva L, et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2006;54:2505-2514.
Monday Aug 28, 2006
GlaxoSmithKline and ChemoCentryx Establish Worldwide Strategic Alliance to Develop Therapies for Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases; ChemoCentryx May Pocket More Than $1.5 Billion, Raises $17.7 Million in Series C Financing
GlaxoSmithKline and ChemoCentryx, Inc., a company focused on orally-administered, small-molecule therapeutics that target the chemokine and chemoattractant receptor systems, announced a worldwide multitarget strategic alliance to discover, develop, and market novel medicines targeting four chemokine and chemoattractant receptors for the treatment of a variety of inflammatory disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), multiple sclerosis (MS), acute macular degeneration, and asthma...
Tuesday Aug 22, 2006
Ethnicity, Poor Coping Styles and Lack of Social Support Predict More Active SLE
Socioeconomic, demographic, and psychological factors affect SLE disease activity levels, and some of these variables may be modifiable in ways that improve disease outcomes... Alarcón GS, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2006;65:1168-1174.
Monday Aug 14, 2006
Lower IL-4, IL-10 Levels Seen as Possible Basis for Fibromyalgia Test
New research showing that patients with chronic widespread pain have significantly lower levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokines Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10 may help doctors develop a cytokine expression profile that can aid in the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Üçeyler, N, et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2006;54:2656-2664
Thursday Aug 10, 2006
HGS to Initiate Phase III Trials of LymphoStat-B in Lupus; to Receive $24 Million from GSK
Human Genome Sciences, Inc. announced its phase III clinical development plans for LymphoStat-Bâ„¢ (belimumab, a human monoclonal antibody that specifically inhibits the biological activity of B-lymphocyte stimulator [BLyS], a protein required for the development of B-lymphocyte cells into mature plasma B cells) in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Thursday Jul 27, 2006
ZymoGenetics Report Positive Preliminary Findings from Atacicept (TACI-Ig) Phase Ib Studies in Patients with Lupus
ZymoGenetics, Inc, announced preliminary positive findings from two phase Ib clinical trials in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) treated with atacicept.
Wednesday Jul 26, 2006
GAO, HHS Inspector General Push FDA to Tighten Up on Postmarketing Studies
A report from the Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General adds to growing pressure for the US Food and Drug Administration to hold pharma companies accountable for the burgeoning number of promised—but never completed—postmarketing studies.
Tuesday Jul 18, 2006
Protalex Raises $15.2 Million to Advance PRTX-100 in Phase II for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Protalex, Inc, announced that it has raised approximately $15.2 million in gross proceeds in a private placement. Investors participating in this transaction include LBI Group Inc, vSpring Capital, CIDC Inc, Emerging Technology Partners, and additional selected institutional and accredited private investors.
Thursday Jul 06, 2006
Controlled Trial Shows That Acupuncture Improves Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Acupuncture may be a reasonable adjunct to fibromyalgia treatment…Martin, D, et al. Mayo Clinic Proc. 2006;81:749-757.
Tuesday Jun 27, 2006
Questions About Hand OA Radiography Raised at EULAR
New radiographic standards for hand OA are needed. ...Watt I. EULAR 2006 Meeting' June 21-24, 2006, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Abstract SP0059.
Monday Jun 26, 2006
Lupus Treatment Moving "From Serendipity to Sense"
Lupus research has had a very good year... Isenberg DA. EULAR 2006 Meeting; June 21-24, 2006; Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Abstract SP0139.
Saturday Jun 24, 2006
Novel SLE drug, with "Moderate", Effect Goes into Phase 3 Trial
New SLE drug that inhibits hyperactive B-cells ‘is safe and effective'. – Wallace, JD et al, 2006 EULAR meeting
Friday Jun 23, 2006
Quick Response to Steroids, Symmetrical Joint Pain Distinguish PMR From Elderly-Onset RA
Clinical and laboratory findings tend to be unhelpful in distinguishing between rheumatoid arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica in the elderly; instead, the symmetric involvement of peripheral joints and the rapid response to low-dose oral corticosteroid therapy should be considered key diagnostic features of PMR... Salvarani, C. 2006 EULAR meeting; June 21–24 2006; Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Thursday Jun 22, 2006
EULAR Lupus Guidelines Make the Best of Sparse Data
While EULAR experts agree on the best treatment of SLE and recommend an integrated approach to medical care, the lupus task force also warns of a worrying lack of evidence on the benefits of lifestyle modifications and the impact of primary preventive measures... Boumpas D. 2006 EULAR Meeting.
Wednesday Jun 21, 2006
EULAR Fibromyalgia Recommendations Surprisingly Upbeat
Far from being a hard-to-treat condition, fibromyalgia is yielding to a whole range of pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies, according to a review presented by Ernest H. Choy, MD, at the 2006 EULAR Meeting...
Monday Jun 12, 2006
Music Relieves Pain, Depression, and Disability in Chronic Pain Patients
An hour or two a day of self-selected music decreased pain, depression, and disability levels in patients with chronic nonmalignant pain... Siedliecki SL, Good M. J Adv Nurs. 2006;54:553-562.
Monday Jun 05, 2006
New Treatment for Lupus Brought to (UVA-1) Light
Sunlight can trigger exacerbations of systemic lupus erythematosus, but the long-wave ultraviolet A-1 light can normalize some immune function in lupus patients, and should be considered for therapeutic use... Pavel S. Rheumatology. 2006;45:653-655.
Wednesday May 24, 2006
ImmuPharma's IPP-201101 Lupus Drug Completes Phase I, Moves into Phase II Trial
ImmuPharma, based in London, UK, announced the successful completion of a placebo-controlled phase I clinical study of its new treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus...
Wednesday May 17, 2006
Immunomedics and UCB Announce Collaboration and License Agreement for Epratuzumab for Autoimmune Diseases
Immunomedics, Inc, and UCB announced a development collaboration and license agreement for Immunomedics' lead product, epratuzumab...
Wednesday May 17, 2006
Lupus Worsens Atherosclerosis, Changes Plaques
Preclinical work in atherosclerosis-prone mice shows that adding a lupus-susceptible immune system greatly accelerates and worsens atherogenesis, which might help explain the accelerated atherosclerosis seen in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus... Stanic AK, et al. PNAS.
Thursday May 11, 2006
"Fossil Virus" Footprints Found in RA
Human endogenous K10 retroviruses, the residue of infections from generations past, are significantly more active in rheumatoid arthritis patients than in osteoarthritis patients or normal controls and might contribute to the development of autoimmune disease... Ejtehadi HD, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2006;65:612-616.
Tuesday Apr 18, 2006
Studies Suggest Link Between Smoking and Autoantibody Production
Two new studies have established an association between smoking and the development of autoantibodies and suggest that rheumatologists should include smoking cessation efforts as part of a comprehensive care plan for patients with autoimmune diseases... Freemer MM, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2006;65:581-584.
Monday Apr 17, 2006
MedImmune Begins Phase I Clinical Trial of a Fully Human Monoclonal Antibody Targeting Interferon-Alpha in Lupus Patients
MedImmune, Inc, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Medarex, Inc, of Princeton, New Jersey, announced that patient dosing has begun in a phase I clinical trial to evaluate the safety and tolerability of MEDI-545 (formerly MDX-1103) in patients diagnosed with mild systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)...
Friday Mar 17, 2006
High BMI Increases Risk for Total Hip Arthroplasty
High body mass index is a risk factor for total hip arthroplasty... Flugsrud GB, et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2006;54:802-807.
Wednesday Mar 15, 2006
Argos Licenses Antibody Technology for SLE to Novo Nordisk
Argos Therapeutics, of Durham, North Carolina, and Novo Nordisk, of Copenhagen, Denmark, announced an agreement under which Argos has licensed antibody technology...
Wednesday Feb 01, 2006
Stem Cell Transplantation Shows Promise in Treatment-Resistant Lupus
Autologous nonmyeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation ameliorates disease activity, improves serologic markers, and stabilizes or reverses organ dysfunction in about half of patients with treatment-refractory systemic lupus erythematosus... Burt RK, et al. JAMA. 2006;295:527-535.
Wednesday Jan 18, 2006
P&G and Sanofi-Aventis File Lawsuit Against Roche and GSK Alleging False and Misleading Advertising for Osteoporosis Drug Boniva®
Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi-Aventis US, LLC, co-marketers of Actonel® (risedronate sodium) tablets, announced that they have filed...
Wednesday Jan 18, 2006
Human Genome Sciences to Advance LymphoStat-Bâ„¢ to Phase III in Lupus
Human Genome Sciences, Inc, announced plans to initiate in 2006 a phase III clinical trial of LymphoStat-Bâ„¢ (belimumab)...
Wednesday Jan 18, 2006
FDA to Require Additional Positive Pivotal Trial for Genelabs' Lupus Drug Prestaraâ„¢
Genelabs Technologies, Inc, of Redwood City, California, announced that the US Food and Drug Administration will require an additional pivotal trial...
Wednesday Jan 18, 2006
Study Examines Most Effective Way to Give Steroid Boost for Mild to Moderate Lupus Flares
Intramuscular triamcinolone and oral methylprednisolone are equally effective at managing mild to moderate flares in lupus, but triamcinolone may lead to a more rapid response... Danowski A, et al. J Rheumatol. 2006;33:57-60.
Monday Dec 19, 2005
Oral Contraceptives Safe in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Taken together, two new prospective studies demonstrate that oral contraceptives (OCs) are safe in women with systemic lupus erythematosus and may represent a paradigm shift in the thinking and clinical practice of rheumatologists who historically have been reluctant to prescribe OCs and other hormones for these patients…Petri M, et al. N Engl J Med. 2005;353:2450-2461; Sánchez-Guerrero J, et al. N Engl J Med. 2005;353:2539-2549.
Sunday Dec 18, 2005
Etanercept May Be Effective for the Depression and Fatigue of Psoriasis
A new phase III trial has found that the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitor etanercept not only improves the clinical manifestations of psoriasis but also relieves the fatigue and depression associated with the disease. The findings point to the role higher concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α have in major depressive symptoms…. Tyring S, et al. Lancet [serial online]. December 15, 2005.
Tuesday Dec 13, 2005
Research Points to the Importance of Diurnal Variations in Biomarkers for OA Assessment
A recent assessment of a cohort of patients with radiographic knee osteoarthritis uncovered substantial variations in the serum concentrations of key biomarkers of disease activity throughout the morning hours, changes that may affect clinical assessment of disease progression …. Kong SY, et al. Presented at: 10th World Congress of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI); December 8–11, 2005; Boston, Mass. Abstract A8.
Friday Dec 02, 2005
Study Highlights Risks, Better Outcomes for Pregnant Patients With Lupus/RA
Although pregnancy outcomes for women with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis have improved considerably as a result of careful monitoring throughout gestation, this group of patients still faces a higher risk of pregnancy-related complications, including poor intrauterine growth restriction and preeclampsia, and also has longer hospital stays than women in the general population... Presented at: Annual Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology; November 12–17, 2005; San Diego, Calif. Abstract 991.
Tuesday Nov 29, 2005
Anti-IL-6 Receptor Monoclonal Antibody Tocilizumab Biologically Active in Lupus
Tocilizumab, a humanized anti-interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor monoclonal antibody, may play a role in treating systemic lupus erythematosus… Presented at: Annual Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology; November 12–17, 2005; San Diego, Calif. Abstract 1884.
Tuesday Nov 29, 2005
Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) More Effective Than Cyclophosphamide in Lupus Nephritis
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), an immunosuppressive agent approved for the prevention of transplant rejection, may emerge as an effective alternative to IV cyclophosphamide, the current standard of care for lupus nephritis patients... Ginzler, EM, et al. N Engl J Med. 2005;353:2219-2228.
Tuesday Nov 22, 2005
Belimumab Data Show Only Modest Clinical Effect in RA
While belimumab is biologically active, safe, and somewhat effective for RA, the magnitude of its effect may not portend a bright future for the novel anti-BlyS agent... Presented at: 69th Annual Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology; November 12–17, 2005; San Diego, Calif. Abstract 1920.
Thursday Nov 17, 2005
A 35-Year Look at SLE: Lower Mortality and Milder Disease at Presentation
Despite the absence of a new therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the past 30 years, mortality from SLE and disease activity at presentation are declining—findings that may be attributed in part to the greater use of immunosuppressive agents and lower steroid doses... Urowitz MB, et al. Presented at: Annual Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology; November 12–17, 2005; San Diego, Calif.
Wednesday Nov 16, 2005
TNF-α Antagonist Adalimumab Shows Promise in AS
Encouraging results from the ATLAS trial suggest that adalimumab and other TNF-α inhibitors may be effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis... Presented at: Annual Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology; November 12–17, 2005; San Diego, Calif.
Tuesday Oct 18, 2005
Fatigue in Lupus Linked to Depression and Pain, but Often Missed by Standard Disease Assessment Tools
New research suggests that depression, pain, and perceived lack of social support are often-overlooked predictors of fatigue in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)—findings that may lead to a better understanding of psychosocial factors and a more specific therapeutic target for the treatment of this debilitating disease... Jump RL, et al. J Rheumatol. 2005;32:1699-1705.
Friday Oct 07, 2005
Marked Decrease in Pregnancy Loss Seen in Women with Lupus
Largely due to improvements in perinatal monitoring and disease management, there has been a significant decrease in pregnancy loss among women with systemic lupus erythematosus over the past 40 years . . . Clark CA, et al. J Rheumatol. 2005;32:1709-1712.
Thursday Oct 06, 2005
Human Genome Sciences' LymphoStat-Bâ„¢ for Lupus Fails to Meet Primary Endpoints in Phase II Trial
Human Genome Sciences, Inc (Rockville, Md), announced that its investigational drug for lupus, LymphoStat-Bâ„¢, (belimumab) failed to meet the overall primary efficacy endpoints...
Friday Sep 09, 2005
Preliminary Data on Genelabs' Prestaraâ„¢ Show Positive Effects on BMD in SLE Patients Taking Glucocorticoids
Genelabs Technologies, Inc, of Redwood City, California, has announced positive results from a preliminary analysis
Thursday Sep 08, 2005
Cyclophosphamide/Stem Cell Transplantation Protocol Shows Promise for Refractory Autoimmune Diseases
Japanese researchers report promising phase I-II trial results showing that high-dose cyclophosphamide supported by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation is feasible and may be effective in the treatment of severe and refractory autoimmune diseases such as systemic sclerosis and SLE...Tsukamoto H, et al. Ann Rheum Dis online August 26, 2005
Tuesday Aug 09, 2005
Neuropsychiatric Syndromes in SLE Patients Are Complex and Underdiagnosed
Though neuropsychiatric (NP) syndromes, regardless of etiology, are common among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a new study suggests that lupus patients with a history of NP syndromes report more severe anxiety and depression as well as cognitive dysfunction, pointing to the need for earlier diagnosis of these nonspecific symptoms...J Rheumatol. 2005;32:1459-1466.
Thursday Jul 28, 2005
Parkinson's Drug Shows Initial Promise in Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia patients taking pramipexole, a dopamine3-receptor agonist, reported decreased pain and fatigue and improved function and global status compared with study participants taking placebo... Holman AJ, Myers RR. Arthritis Rheum. 2005;52:2495-2505.
Tuesday Jul 26, 2005
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Is There a Phthalate Connection?
Murine studies suggest that exposure to phthalates may increase susceptibility to SLE and possibly other autoimmune disorders... Lim S-Y and Ghosh SK. J Autoimmun. 2005;25:33-45
Friday Jul 08, 2005
Genelabs' PrestaraTM Gains Orphan Drug Exclusivity to Prevent SLE Bone Loss
Genelabs Technologies, Inc, reported that PrestaraTM, a synthetic form of the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), has been granted orphan drug exclusivity by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the
Friday Jun 17, 2005
Immunomedics' Anti-CD22 Antibody Shows Promise for Sjogren's Syndrome
Immunomedics, Inc, reported encouraging initial safety and clinical efficacy results from its open-label, non-randomized, Phase I/II trial of epratuzumab for the treatment of patients with Sjogren's syndrome (ss).
Friday Jun 10, 2005
High Doses of All NSAIDs Reportedly Increase Heart Attack Risk
The largest study to date on the association between cardiovascular events and the use of NSAIDs has found that the increase in risk is not limited to selective inhibitors of COX-2, and that, in fact, some nonselective NSAIDs confer the greatest risks...Presented at: Annual European Congress of Rheumatology of EULAR; June 8-11, 2005; Vienna, Austria.
Wednesday Jun 08, 2005
Future of Vasculitis Treatments Appears Promising
Experts urge revisiting TNF-α blockade as induction therapy in vasculitis and look forward to B-cell depletion agents in the future...The Annual European Congress of Rheumatology of EULAR. Vienna, Austria, June 8-11, 2005
Thursday May 05, 2005
Presence of Parallel Neural Pain Pathways May Assist in the Management of Fibromyalgia Patients
New research among patients with fibromyalgia shows evidence of parallel, independent neural processing pathways for sensory and affective pain, a finding that may lead to better diagnosis, selection of therapeutic agents, and efficacy for the chronic pain and concomitant depression that accompany the condition... Giesecke T, et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2005;52:1577-1584.
Tuesday Apr 12, 2005
New Lupus Public Service Campaign Seeks to Raise Awareness and Speed Diagnosis
The Lupus Research Institute and other organizations hope the new campaign will alert patients to the often vague signs and symptoms of lupus earlier in the course of the disease...Lupus Research Institute [press release]. April 6, 2005.
Friday Apr 08, 2005
Thalidomide May Play a Role in Treatment of Refractory Radiculopathic Pain
Banned from use in the 1960s due to its teratogenic effects, thalidomide is being reexamined as a treatment for inflammatory and other types of disorders... Presented at the 24th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Pain Society; March 30-April 2, 2005; Boston, Massachusetts
Friday Apr 01, 2005
Better Communication Skills May Help RA Patients Cope with Pain
Two new studies looking at stress and psychosocial functioning in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus have found that individuals who have difficulty expressing their thoughts and emotions have greater disease activity and pain than their more communicative counterparts...Presented at: 24th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Pain Society; March 30-April 2, 2005; Boston, Massachusetts.
Monday Mar 28, 2005
Case Study Suggests Humanized Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibody Effective in Rituximab-Resistant Lupus
Researchers at the Centre for Rheumatology at University College, in London, England, report in the April 2005 issue of Rheumatology the first case of a patient with severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), who, having become unresponsive to the chimeric anti-CD20 antibody rituximab, exhibited a good response to a fully-human anti-CD20 antibody (hCD20) provided on a compassionate use basis by Immunomedics, Inc.1
Wednesday Mar 23, 2005
IL-1 Blocker Anakinra Safe and Effective in Small Study of Severe Lupus Arthritis Patients
Accumulating evidence suggests that anakinra may find a niche in IL-1-driven diseases such as juvenile arthritis, adult onset Still's disease, and severe lupus arthritis...Ostendorf B, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2005;64:630-633.
Wednesday Mar 09, 2005
Development of Antibodies Targeting Interferon-± and the Type I Interferon Receptor 1 Underway
The type I interferon system has been implicated in the development and maintenance of abnormal autoimmune responses.
Thursday Mar 03, 2005
Internet Can Be a Less Than Reliable Source of Information on Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement Surgery
Online direct-to-consumer marketing and surgeon self-promotion can create false expectations for patients researching hip arthroplasty...The 72nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; February 23-27, 2005; Washington, DC.
Thursday Mar 03, 2005
Internet Can Be a Less Than Reliable Source of Information on Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement Surgery
Online direct-to-consumer marketing and surgeon self-promotion can create false expectations for patients researching hip arthroplasty...The 72nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; February 23-27, 2005; Washington, DC.
Friday Feb 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.
Monday Jan 31, 2005
New Research Highlights Generation Gap, Ethnic Divide Among Chronic Pain Patients
While African Americans experience more pain and related negative effects than do caucasians, young adults across both ethnic groups do not cope as well with chronic pain as do their older counterparts...Baker TA, Green CR. Pain Med. 2005;6:29-38.
Monday Jan 31, 2005
Genetic Discovery May Lead to New Lupus Treatments
Two newly discovered genes may help lupus researchers crack the interferon code, leading to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of SLE and to novel drug targets... Sigurdsson S, et al. Am J Hum Genet. 2005;18:76-79.
Wednesday Dec 22, 2004
UVA-1 Light Useful as Adjuvant Therapy for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
A new study by Dutch researchers has found that UVA-1 cold light therapy significantly decreases validated disease activity indices in patients with moderately active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) without causing significant adverse effects... Polderman MCA, et al. Rheumatology. 2004;43:1402-1404.
Tuesday Dec 21, 2004
SLE Patients Treated with TNF-ÃŽalpha Blockade Show Improvement
Study indicates that TNF-alpha blocker may reduce SLE disease activity in patients' joints and kidneys, without serious adverse events; need for larger clinical trials cited... Aringer M, et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2004;50: 3161-3169.
Friday Dec 10, 2004
Occupational Risk Factors for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus May Include Mercury Exposure and Pesticide Mixing
Epidemiologic study indicates that occupational mercury exposure and some dental and agricultural work are significantly associated with a greater risk for developing SLE and that previously suspected occupations may not present this risk...Cooper GS, et al. J Rheumatol. 2004;31:1928-1933.
Thursday Nov 18, 2004
Mexican Ancestry May Be Associated With Earlier Onset of Damage in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Hispanic patients with SLE who are living in Texas may be predisposed to a shorter time to initial damage, which is known to predispose to the accrual of further damage&Toloza SMA, et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2004;3177-3186.
Monday Nov 15, 2004
New Approaches Show Promise in Refining Treatment and Assessment of SLE
Autologous stem cell transplant and rituximab show promise in refractory disease, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate test may be more useful than CRP in showing disease activity... Alexander T et al. Presented at: Annual Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology; October 19, 2004; San Antonio, Tex.
Thursday Nov 04, 2004
TNF-α Blocker Etanercept Reduces Daytime Sleepiness in Patients with Sleep Apnea
Pilot trial is reportedly the first to demonstrate that neutralizing tumor necrosis factor-α activity is associated with a significant reduction of daytime somnolence in obese patients with sleep apnea... Vgontzas AN, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;89:4409-4413
Wednesday Oct 20, 2004
Awards Given to Key Investigators for Clinical Research; Community and Professional Service
The second awards session reflected the diversity of contributions rheumatologists make in scientific research and in their communities.
Wednesday Oct 20, 2004
Studies Show Potential of New Agents Targeting Beta-Cell Depletion
A Phase I trial of rituximab, and an initial clinical study of epratuzumab, showed the treatments to be well tolerated and linked to promising responses in lupus patients... Albert D et al. Presented at: Annual Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology; October 19, 2004; San Antonio, Texas.
Tuesday Oct 19, 2004
Oral Contraceptives Appear to Be Safe for Most Lupus Patients
Findings from 2 new studies have potential to reverse previous approaches to contraception for women with SLE …. Petri M, et al. Presented at: Annual Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology; October 18, 2004; San Antonio, Tex.
Monday Oct 18, 2004
Genomics Research Pioneer Foresees Breakthroughs, Challenges in Gene-Targeted Therapy
The Director of the Human Genome Research Institute urges rheumatology researchers to take advantage of new technology to identify genes involved in inflammatory autoimmune diseases…
Tuesday Sep 14, 2004
Focus Groups Show RA Patients' Views of Anti-TNF Therapy
RA patients on anti-TNF therapy have differing expectations of therapy, depending on their background and self-education. They also may experience benefits beyond those typically measured in clinical trials. (Marshall NJ, et al. Rheumatology. 2004;43:1034-1038.)
Tuesday Aug 31, 2004
Primary Care Physician Survey Shows Back Pain Highly Prevalent, Often Involves Spasm
Acute back injuries often have a spasmodic as well as an inflammatory component; treating both expedites recovery.
Tuesday Aug 31, 2004
TARGET Study Shows Fewer GI Complications, No Increased Cardiovascular Risks, With Lumiracoxib Compared to NSAIDs
A study comparing lumaricoxib to two NSAIDs shows that it may be linked to a reduced risk of gastrointestinal complications, and no additional cardiovascular risk. (Schnitzer TJ, et al. TARGET Study Group. Lancet. 2004;364:665–674.)
Monday Aug 30, 2004
SLE Researchers Encouraged to Use Biomarkers, Surrogate Markers as Study Endpoints; New Research Shows B-Cell Depletion to Have Role in SLE Therapy
(Schiffenbauer J, et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2004;50:2415-2422; Looney RJ, et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2004;50:2580-2589.)
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