Type II collagen is abundant in the joint and is a major target of immune-mediated damage in RA. As suggested in studies of experimental animals, induction of immune tolerance at the level of the cartilage may be a way of reducing the signs and symptoms of RA and prevent joint destruction. However, whether oral administration of Type II collagen is an efficacious treatment for humans with established active RA has not been established.
Increasing the Dose of Etanercept not Efficacious in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Increasing the dose of infliximab and, in some cases, adalimumab can result in improved efficacy in RA patients with inadequate responses to initial dosing. However, whether increasing the dose of etanercept can also result in clinical improvement has not been studied.
FDA Launches Safety Review of TNF Inhibitors in Children
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released an early communication regarding a plan to investigate a possible association between TNF inhibitor therapy and cancer in children receiving these agents for treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and Crohn’s disease.
New Onset Psoriatic Arthritis Reported in Psoriasis Patients Treated with Efalizumab
The T-cell inhibitor efalizumab (Raptiva) has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. However, it has not demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis and, in one study, was associated with worsening of arthritis symptoms. Only a minority of individuals with psoriasis have a concomitant inflammatory arthritis, making therapy with efalizumab an option for the treatment of a large number of psoriasis patients who have no articular involvement.
Denosumab suppresses erosions but has no effect on articular signs and symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis
Bone erosions in response to inflammation in RA are driven by osteoclasts which are in turn activated by RANKL (Receptor Activator for Nuclear Factor κ B Ligand) binding to its receptor RANK. Inhibition of RANKL has the potential to retard bone erosions in RA patients, thereby limiting progressive joint damage and destruction.
Golimumab Shows Promise for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Arthritis News : Golimumab Shows Promise for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
