Rheumatology

Obesity Is a Predictor of Inferior Response to Anti-TNF Drugs

May 29th 2018

By The Center for Biosimilars Staff

While it is already known that obesity may contribute to an increased risk developing some immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, as well as more severe disease activity and a higher burden of hospitalization, a new review found that obesity is also a predictor of inferior response to anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents.

Adding a DMARD or Switching Away From Anti-TNF Drugs Helps Patients With IBD and Paradoxical Arthritis

May 28th 2018

By The Center for Biosimilars Staff

Article

The authors of a recent study report that the addition of a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) or a switch to ustekinumab showed greater efficacy than changing anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) treatments in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who develop paradoxical arthritis.

European Commission Authorizes Sandoz's Infliximab Biosimilar

May 24th 2018

By Samantha DiGrande

Article

Novartis has announced that Sandoz, a subsidiary division of the company, has received the European Commission’s (EC) authorization for its infliximab biosimilar, to be sold as Zessly in the European Union.

DAS28 and Mental Health Could Predict Disease Flare in Patients Tapering Anti-TNF Drugs

May 21st 2018

By Samantha DiGrande

Article

Currently, beyond the evaluation of a patient’s 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28), there are no standard methods to determine whether patients will respond well to dose reduction of anti–tumor necrosis factor therapy.

HLA Alleles May Play a Role in Formation of Anti-Drug Antibodies to Adalimumab

May 21st 2018

By Jackie Syrop

Article

Specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles are associated with the formation of anti-drug antibodies to adalimumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and hidradenitis suppurativa, potentially causing reduced therapeutic response.

ACR Members Push for Legislation on Rising Costs and Barriers to Care

May 19th 2018

By Samantha DiGrande

Article

This week, rheumatologists and rheumatology stakeholders from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) took to Capitol Hill to advocate on pressing issues in rheumatology care, such as the rising costs of treatment and lack of access to care.

Women With Ankylosing Spondylitis Have Lower Anti-TNF Agent Retention Rate Than Men

May 13th 2018

By The Center for Biosimilars Staff

Article

In treating ankylosing spondylitis, anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) drugs produce a response in approximately 60% of patients. For the 40% of patients who do not respond to treatment, previous studies have suggested that patient characteristics, including sex, may play a role.

BPC's Nonmedical Switching Guidelines Seek to Preserve Physician–Patient Relationship

May 10th 2018

By Kelly Davio

Article

In an interview with The Center for Biosimilars®, Dennis Cryer, MD, physician co-convener of the Biologics Prescribers Collaborative (BPC), said, "We still feel that much of the effectiveness of therapy is the relationship and the trust that can be developed between the physician and the patient."

Eye on Pharma: Lupin Submits Etanercept Biosimilar to Japanese Regulators

May 8th 2018

By The Center for Biosimilars Staff

Article

Lupin Pharmaceuticals has submitted a new drug application for its etanercept biosimilar, YLB113, in Japan, the company announced today.

UK Researchers Report a Successful Switch to Biosimilar Etanercept

May 4th 2018

By Samantha DiGrande

Article

Yesterday, at the British Society for Rheumatology’s Annual Conference held in Liverpool, United Kingdom, researchers presented a study that investigated the clinical outcomes of a multi-disciplinary switch to biosimilar etanercept from the reference product in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.