Ankylosing spondylitis
Appendicitis during childhood linked to debilitating rheumatic disease, says study
In a study presented at the European League Against Rheumatism Annual Congress (EULAR 2016), is was shown that appendicitis during childhood almost halved the risk of developing Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) later in life. However, in contrast, admission to hospital with a childhood respiratory tract infection (RTI) increased the risk. These findings suggest the way the immune system responds during childhood, either by influencing the risk of a severe childhood infection, or by being changed by such an infection, may explain how AS develops. Continue reading
Biogen receives marketing authorisation in the EU for infliximab biosimilar
Drugs company Biogen has just announced that it has been granted marketing authorisation in the EU for Flixabi, a biosimilar to infliximab indicated for the treatments of adults with rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis. Additionally, Flixabi can be used in patients from six to 17 years old with severe, active Crohn’s disease or severely active ulcerative colitis. Continue reading
Study highlights work disruptions caused by ankylosing spondylitis
A new study conducted in the Netherlands has highlighted the potentially serious disruptions that ankylosing spondylitis patients experience during their working lives.
For the study, led by Maastricht University, researchers aimed to examine the impact of ankylosing spondylitis on work disability over a 12-year period compared to the general population, while also exploring the specific factors that can predict adverse work outcomes. Continue reading
Global study links genes to five common, hard-to-treat inflammatory diseases
The results of a world-first study, published in the international journal, Nature Genetics, have found hundreds of genes which cause five common, hard-to-treat inflammatory diseases.
This global study, which involved 50 different research centres investigated ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis (collectively known as as inflammatory bowel disease), psoriasis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Continue reading
New version of etanercept drug made available in Europe
Data from a 52-week study of 596 patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis has been used to support an application for a new, affordable biosimilar anti-TNF drug developed by Samsung Bioepis, called Benepali to be made available in Europe.
Biosimilars are biological therapies that are designed to function almost identically to an existing licensed treatment and deliver the same proven safety and effectiveness, but at a considerably lower price than the older drugs. Continue reading
