The FDA has approved tocilizumab-aazg (Tyenne), the first tocilizumab biosimilar, for treating rheumatic diseases, as well as the new drug application for CB-101, a chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy, for treating lupus nephritis and extra-renal lupus.
“As a resident, [I] felt pretty terrible when [we had] a very sick child and the teams [couldn’t] agree on what to do,” said Lauren Henderson, MD, MMS, on an episode of ACR on Air. She discussed the importance of collaboration across specialties in the identification and treatment of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS).
Hoy et al. sought to evaluate the presence, clinical associations, and potential mechanistic roles of circulating calprotectin in a cohort of patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and those with antiphospholipid antibodies. Calprotectin levels were higher in patients with primary APS and those with antiphospholipid antibodies than in healthy controls. These data suggest that calprotectin has the potential to be a functional biomarker and a new therapeutic target for APS-related thrombocytopenia.
The FDA has accepted applications for three new indications for bimekizumab-bkzx, a humanized interleukin (IL) 17A and IL-17F antagonist: psoriatic arthritis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
The ACR will lead five other specialty societies on a resolution supporting pediatric specialty care and will co-lead resolutions addressing Medicare Advantage Part B drug coverage, white bagging mandates, state prescription drug affordability boards and impacts of alternative funding programs on access to care.
Rheumatology fellow Audrey Liu, MD, describes the excitement and empowerment of seeing first-hand the real-world impact of advocating for policies that support providers and patients.
On May 6–7, nearly 100 rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals converged in Washington, D.C., for the ACR’s annual Advocacy Leadership Conference and 137 meetings on Capitol Hill. You can help extend the efforts of these advocates and amplify their impact by contacting your lawmakers via the Legislative Action Center.
Don’t reinvent the wheel. The ACR Committee on Rheumatologic Care offers members an updated slate of template letters to help appeal insurance denials for common off-label rheumatology treatments.
In this episode, Dr. Kumar reflects on the importance of championing patients and healthcare through advocacy, and systems thinking.
For one Oregon rheumatologist, community practice offers a rewarding mix of patient care, teaching and family time.