In a small preliminary study, the novel MK2 inhibitor, CC-99677, was safe and well tolerated by healthy participants. With daily dosing, the agent sustained reductions of tumor necrosis factor alpha and other cytokines for 14 days.
More Evidence TNF Inhibitors Raise Risk of Peripheral Neuropathy
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—A large epidemiological study provides more evidence of a link between tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) and peripheral neuropathy (PN). “These events are rare and the benefit of these drugs still outweigh this risk so this should not change practice,” cautions first author Dr. Mahyar Etminan from the University of British Columbia…
2015 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting: Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor Cytokines in Autoimmune Diseases Examined
SAN FRANCISCO—To date, evidence on the efficacy of blocking the cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and its receptors in autoimmune diseases has resulted in the approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of five anti-TNF agents. Less well known, according to Richard Siegel, MD, PhD, chief, Immunoregulation Section, Autoimmunity Branch, and Clinical Director, NIAMS,…
Newer Biologics for RA on Par with TNF-Inhibitors for CV Risk
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—The newer disease-modifying drugs for rheumatoid arthritis appear to offer the same or even better cardiovascular (CV) protection than older tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, hints a large study. “We really haven’t had a good understanding on where the non-TNF biologics and CV risk stand,” Dr. Jeffrey R. Curtis of the University…
Small Increased Risk for CIN & Cervical CA with TNF Inhibitors
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and those taking a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor are at increased risk of cervical cancer, according to a study from Sweden. “Whether this (the increase in invasive cancers) was due to the TNF inhibitors, disease severity, or…
Does Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Increase Cardiovascular Burden?
Long-term use of TNFα inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis is associated with both gains in fat mass and a shift in fat mass to the visceral region. (posted Jan. 14)
Drug Updates
Information on new approvals and medication safety
Rheum with a View
Panush’s perspectives on selections from the literature
Shingles, Chickenpox Hospitalizations Higher for Patients on Anti-TNF Drugs
More research needed to clarify risks and benefits of VZV vaccination
No Clear Connection Between Inflammation & Disease Progression in AS
TNF blockers decrease symptoms but seem to have little impact on structural damage