StemCell Therapy

The Gorilla NC Fusion Plating System is the latest addition to Paragon 28's robust foot and ankle specific portfolio. The system is made up offour plates, left and right specific, ranging from 28 35.5 mm in length to span the Naviculocuneiform joint. The plates providefive different screw options for compression across multiple joints. The patent-pending NC Plate with PRECISION Guide technology allows for a crossing screw that passes from the medial cuneiform to the lateral aspect of the navicular. A locking screw in the plate allows for fixation between the proximal medial navicular to the intermediate cuneiform. A second locking screw in the navicular helps guard against plantar gapping, while two distal screws in the medial cuneiform have the ability to be placed across one, two or three cuneiforms. All plates are anatomically contoured for optimal fixation and low profile to minimize prominence and avoid soft tissue irritation.

The system also includes templates to facilitate proper plate placement and screw alignment across each joint. The patent-pending NC Fusion PRECISION Guide provides three options for the crossing screw trajectory to account for variations among patient anatomy and can accommodate a 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm or 5.5 mm cannulated cross screw. Compression can be achieved by use of a partially threaded cross screw or with external compression using a fully threaded cross screw.

Key Features and Benefits of the System:

Guided Screw Targeting simplifies screw placement and helps to ensure fixation is achieved in highest quality boneAnatomic Plate Contouring cylindrical curvature minimizes the need for interoperative manipulation of plate to conform to anatomyTemplating and Trialing System ensures plates and screws are prepositioned to achieve best fit and intended compressionCompression through and Outside the Plate maximizes distribution of compression across fusion sites

Paragon 28 is grateful for the significant contributions Dr. Byron Hutchinson, DPM, made as the surgeon designer of this system.

Product Page:http://www.paragon28.com/products/ncfusionplatingsystem

CONTACT:Jim Edson, Director of Product Management and Marketing, jedson@paragon28.com

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/paragon-28-launches-plating-and-guided-screw-system-to-address-naviculocuneiform-arthritis-and-flatfoot-gorilla-nc-fusion-plating-system-300501564.html

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Paragon 28 Launches Plating and Guided Screw System to Address Naviculocuneiform Arthritis and Flatfoot- Gorilla ... - PR Newswire (press release)

Gaining market share in rheumatoid arthritis has been looking ever more difficult because of new entries and looming biosimilar competition, and now a spotlight on safety has only added to the uncertainty.

The US FDA has cited specific cardiovascular safety issues with two of the current wave of rheumatoid arthritis agents, Lilly's (NYSE:LLY) Olumiant and Johnson & Johnson's (NYSE:JNJ) Plivensia, the former of which might need to conduct a new clinical trial to rule out risk. The eligible population for these agents numbers in the millions and has several existing choices, so regulators seem to be taking a more assertive approach on the safety profile of follow-on products.

Briefing documents released yesterday before an FDA advisory committee meeting on Plivensia, whose active ingredient is sirukumab, revealed that the staff wants its expert consultants to consider an imbalance in deaths, major cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes, and cancer in its clinical program. This comes a week after Lilly revealed that Olumiant had been knocked back because the FDA wants to analyse an imbalance in thromboembolic events in its trials more closely.

In Plivensia's trials investigators said 34 of 35 deaths were in patients receiving the injection, and 13 of the 34 were from major adverse cardiovascular events. Like other IL-6 inhibitors, the project raises low-density lipoproteins. Overall, there was an imbalance in overall cardiovascular events in the Plivensia 50mg group, for which J&J is seeking approval, versus placebo, the FDA concluded.

Last week, Lilly reported that the FDA had cited five cases of deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism in its complete response letter denying approval of Olumiant.

In both cases, the regulator's caution might have been motivated by experiences with products in the same classes already on the market. The FDA's adverse events monitoring has identified 18 primary cases of pulmonary embolism with Olumiant's Jak inhibitor predecessor Xeljanz, according to FAERS data compiled by Advera Health. Actemra, which is an IL-6-inhibiting antibody like Plivensia, has reported 21 (Olumiant clot signal echoes Xeljanz experience, July 26. 2017).

As Lilly did last week with Olumiant, J&J says it is confident that the benefit of Plivensia outweighs the risk.

The end of unmet needs

The allure of the $25bn rheumatoid arthritis space is strong, but as biosimilars of established products prepare to enter it is becoming harder to argue that there is an unmet medical need in the disease and in associated autoimmune disorders.

The RA population numbers nearly 2 million in the US, and if all the indications for which the market leader, Humira, is prescribed excluding psoriasis are considered, the eligible population rises to more than 4 million. Thus the FDA might be growing more cautious about approving agents that could result in a significant number of complications and deaths.

Moreover, biosimilars are on their way - so far, the US FDA has approved copycats of Abbvie's (NYSE:ABBV) Humira and Roche's (OTCQX:RHHBY) Enbrel, and Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) has launched the Remicade biosimilar Inflectra. Their entry means that the US market for rheumatoid arthritis agents is not expected to expand measurably in sales terms from $14bn this year, and new entrants will not want to test a fiercely competitive market at a safety disadvantage.

Forecasts for Olumiant have shrunk to less than $1bn in 2022 since Lilly received the bad news from the FDA, and Plivensia US sales forecasts remain modest at $638m in 2022; Actemra will top out at about $1bn in 2021. Taken together the IL-6s are dwarfed in autoimmune disease by the anti-TNF class of Humira, Enbrel and Remicade.

In a saturated market it looks tough for Plivensia to meet these forecasts even with a clean label. A cardiovascular warning, should the FDA require one, will make it even more difficult.

Editor's Note: This article discusses one or more securities that do not trade on a major U.S. exchange. Please be aware of the risks associated with these stocks.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis Safety Spotlight Widens - Seeking Alpha

H

ello, everyone, and how are you today? We are doing just fine, thank you, especially now that the Pharmalot campus has quieted down. Both Mrs. Pharmalot and the shortest person have left for their respective destinations, and the official mascots are snoozing contentedly in their usual spots. This leaves us to forage for interesting items for you. On that note, here are some tidbits. Have a wonderful day and do let us know about juicy developments

An experimental rheumatoid arthritis drug from Johnson & Johnson was linked to more deaths than a placebo, Food and Drug Administration staff reviewers wrote in an advance of a Wednesday expert panel meeting, Reuters writes. Other possiblesafety issues were similar to other drugs in the class, but the trend of increased overall mortality seems unique for this medicine, they wrote.The most common causes of death were major heart problems, infection, and malignancies.

This is a STAT Plus article and is only available to STAT Plus subscribers.To read the full story, subscribe to STAT Plus or log in to your account.Good news: your first 30 days are on us.

Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer

Ed covers the pharmaceutical industry.

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Pharmalittle: FDA staff cautious on J&J arthritis drug; Kite seeks EU nod for CAR-T drug - STAT

Arthritis Research UK says by 2018 there will be 2.9m people living with multimorbidity

The call is made in a report by Arthritis Research UK exploring why MSK conditions must be included in future plans to address multimorbidity.

Arthritis Research UK says that NHS England should ensure that metrics and tools used in multimorbidity programmes include monitoring and measuring of pain and its impact on functional abilities and capability to manage.

Research funders, such as the National Institute for Health Research, should work with partners to ensure there is a flourishing research agenda covering multimorbidity, which includes common conditions such as MSK conditions.

Good MSK health underpins living well and independently with multimorbidity, but MSK conditions are too often overlooked, the charity says.

Meanwhile MSK conditions affect around 10 million people across the UK, and are often found in people with other long-term conditions.

The report reveals that among people over 45 years with a major long-term condition, more than 30 per cent also have arthritis. By 65, almost half of people with a heart, lung or mental health problem also have arthritis.

Conversely, 80 per cent of people with osteoarthritis have at least one other long-term condition such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease or depression.

Arthritis Research says it is essential to recognise the interaction between MSK conditions and other health problems.

Any long-term condition is associated with a drop in quality of life, but when arthritis or back pain is part of multimorbidity, the drop is greater. The pain and functional limitations of arthritis make it harder to cope when living with other long-term conditions.

Professor Peter Kay, NHS Englands national clinical director of MSK Services said: We must work across systems to ensure we have the appropriate data collected and available to understand the numbers and requirements of people living with multiple long-term conditions.

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MSK conditions must be central to multimorbidity plans, says Arthritis Research UK - Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

According to Arthritis Research UK, over eight million people in the UK suffer from osteoarthritis - a condition perceived as only a disorder that affects the elderly.

A new walking programme for adults with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions, made popular in the US, is to be trialled in the UK for the first time.

Walk With Ease was developed by the Arthritis Foundation in the US and has been shown to reduce arthritis-related symptoms such as pain, stiffness and fatigue, as well as improve strength, balance and walking pace.

The study is being funded as a joint working programme between ARUK and Pfizer Ltd, in partnership with the Chief Scientists Office of the Scottish Government and led by Dr Kathryn R Martin.

Dr Martin said: Walk With Ease has proven extremely successful in the US at reducing pain, stiffness and fatigue while improving physical functioning for those who have taken part.

We want to see if the ethos and logistics of the programme can be implemented in the UK.

This study will examine whether or not individuals with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions living in the UK are willing to take part in such a programme and whether or not they feel it benefits them.

We are starting with Aberdeen and hope that if successful it can be rolled out across the UK.

This comes after Ruby James, 55, told Express.co.uk that exercise was the best way to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Ruby said: I make sure I keep moving and exercising, as I always have, as I really feel that this makes my osteoarthritis more manageable.

Letters are currently being sent out from GP practices to potential participants for the six-week community-based programme.

Following an initial assessment of their mobility, participants will either receive the walking programme or a booklet outlining physical activity programmes in Aberdeen.

Those who receive the walking programme will be given a guidebook and the option to either walk with a group or on their own.

All participants will be re-assessed after six weeks and be posted a questionnaire three months later to see what effects the programme has had on them.

Some participants will also be asked to take part in an interview to discuss their experiences of being in the study.

Dr Natalie Carter, head of research liaison and evaluation at Arthritis Research UK, said: At Arthritis Research UK, we know that exercise, such as walking, can help to both prevent and improve the symptoms of arthritis.

Much more needs to be done to help support people with joint pain to stay active.

That is why our charity funds a number of studies focusing on exercise and movement, and we are pleased to be supporting the Walk With Ease study.

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Arthritis symptoms could be eased with THIS therapy: New hope for sufferers - Express.co.uk

Axial spondyloarthritis is a form of arthritis, and it is estimated around 700,000 people in the UK live daily with inflammatory back pain.

A study funded by Arthritis Research UK, aims to see how big a role patients medication plays in slowing down diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis.

Most manage the pain with anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or other slightly stronger variants while they wait to have the condition formally diagnosed by a rheumatologist.

Axial spondyloarthritis is an inflammatory condition affecting the spine and joints in the pelvis and in extreme cases can lead to parts of the spine fusing together.

It is diagnosed using MRI scans after which it cannot be cured but can be managed with special anti-inflammatory medication.

Researchers from the University of Aberdeen suspect that some people who undergo an MRI scan receive a negative diagnosis for axial spondyloarthritis because the Ibuprofen-like drugs they are taking sufficiently reduce the inflammation and hide the symptoms.

Early diagnosis is key to preventing axial spondyloarthritis getting worse but typically it can take between eight to 11 years to be properly identified.

Dr Gareth Jones, a musculoskeletal pain and spondyloarthritis expert and lead author on the study said: The fact that it can take up to 11 years to get a formal diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis is obviously a concern.

There are good drugs to help people manage the condition but they are only available to people who get a correct diagnosis.

We suspect some people who are getting scanned for the condition, who still have anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen in their system, are scanning negative for axial spondyloarthritis because the drugs are masking the true extent of the inflammation.

This study aims to show whether or not these drugs do mask the condition, and what proportion of sufferers could potentially be affected.

If we see that the painkillers are indeed leading to negative diagnoses then it will lend support to the argument that anyone receiving an MRI scan for back pain should halt their regular anti-inflammatory medication for a week or so prior to the scan.

This study will give an indication as to what proportion of axial spondyloarthritis are misdiagnosed as a result of the anti-inflammatory drugs.

Two hundred and fifty patients with the condition will be recruited to the study from around 20 different centres.

They will stop taking their regular anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, etc) for a week and then given an MRI scan. They will then start taking the drugs again for six weeks before receiving a second MRI scan.

The researchers will then compare the proportion of people who scanned positive for axial spondyloarthritis with those who scanned negative for the condition once they are back on them.

Stephen Simpson, director of research and programmes at Arthritis Research UK, added: Axial spondyloarthritis is an incredibly painful condition, which can have a devastating impact on a persons everyday life.

For example, those with ankylosing spondylitis are three times more likely to stop work than the general population.

This new research will prompt conversations around whether patients should be asked to refrain from taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs immediately prior to an MRI scan and to rely, instead, on other pain relief during this specific period.

This research could lead to earlier diagnosis for people living with the condition, leading to earlier commencement of appropriate treatment and improved outcome.

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Arthritis symptoms: Painkillers could be hiding THIS serious condition from doctors - Express.co.uk

23 percent of all adults are affected by arthritis in the United States, and the symptoms associated with this chronic disease cost our country over 81 million dollars in annual medical bills.

Posted on July 31, 2017 by Kris Swartzendruber, Michigan State University Extension

Arthritis is a disease that affects over 54 million people in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, arthritis is the leading cause of disability, with related medical expenses reaching $81 billion. It is estimated that by the year 2040 nearly 26 percent of all adults (over 78 million people) will have arthritis.

The CDC also reports that arthritis significantly limits the workforce in this country. Because 60 percent of adults with this disease are of working age (18-64 years), arthritis can limit the type of work they do, and in many cases, keep them from working at all.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is chronic pain condition that is most commonly caused by inflammation of the tissue lining the joints (joints are located where two or more bones meet, such as elbows and knees). Symptoms vary, but the most common are pain, aching, swelling and stiffness.

There are over 100 diseases and conditions that are referred to as arthritis, but the most prevalent is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis usually occurs in older adults, affecting their fingers, knees and hips and can be a result of a previous injury to a joint. Other well-known types of arthritis include gout, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus occur when the bodys defense system doesnt work properly, and overtime, can affect multiple organs and cause widespread symptoms.

Who is affected by arthritis?

Arthritis does not discriminateit affects people of every age, race and gender. However, statistics show that the risk of arthritis increases with age and is more common among women than men. The CDC reports that arthritis commonly occurs with other chronic diseases with half of adults with heart disease or diabetes, and one-third of people who are obese, having arthritis. When a person has to deal with arthritis, along with another chronic health condition, it can negatively affect their quality of life and make it more difficult for doctors to treat and manage their diseases.

What can I do if I have arthritis?

The good news is, there are several ways to treat and reduce the symptoms associated with arthritis. If you, or someone you care for, is affected by arthritis, Michigan State University Extension recommends that you first talk with a doctor. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases says that only a doctor can diagnose and provide you with the best form of treatment associated with diabetes.

In addition to working with a healthcare provider, there are several things a person can do on their own to help control their pain and maintain their health. My next three news articles will focus on these arthritis self-management tools:

MSU Extension also provides high-quality and affordable education and resources related to the prevention and management of chronic disease.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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Understanding arthritis - Michigan State University Extension

ARTHRITIS Care and Arthritis Research UK have announced that they are to merge to help over 10 million people living with arthritis in the UK.

The charities say that they began discussions at the turn of the year and that due diligence is now underway.

In a joint statement Dr Liam OToole, chief executive of Arthritis Research UK and Judi Rhys, chief executive of Arthritis Care, said Currently there are too many people living with the pain, fatigue and isolation caused by arthritis. The two charities are doing great work to address their needs, and we know we can have a greater impact on peoples lives by creating one organisation.

The aspirations of people with arthritis are changing and it is vital that we continue to meet their expectations. We can stand together with one louder voice to change attitudes and press for change. We can transform our care, support and information services so that many more people can build their knowledge, skills and resilience to live well with arthritis. We will continue our fight to find better treatments and even a cure and well now be able to offer our supporters, members, volunteers, branches and groups the opportunity to join patient-focussed clinical trials and influence the research agenda.We believe that this is a truly exciting step.

The charities hope to come together in a single organisation in October this year.

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Arthritis charities set to merge later this year - Charity Today News

When humans began their slow migration out of Africa some 100,000 years ago, they carried with them the genetic seeds necessary to help survive the bitter chill of Europe and Asia.

But, unknowingly, in the same genes lurked a painful burden that afflicts millions today with a new study finding that a gene variant that helped our ancestors survive extreme climates and frostbite also increases the likelihood of developing arthritis.

According to researchers at Stanford and Harvard universities, a variant of the GDF5 gene which is associated with bone growth and joint formation has two effects on those that carry mutations of the gene: it reduces bone length (and, subsequently, height), and it can almost double the chance of osteoarthritis.

"It's clear that the genetic machinery around a gene can have a dramatic impact on how it works," says one of the researchers, human evolutionary biologist Terence Capellini, now at Harvard University.

"The variant that decreases height is lowering the activity of GDF5 in the growth plates of the bone. Interestingly, the region that harbours this variant is closely linked to other mutations that affect GDF5 activity in the joints, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis in the knee and hip."

In the new study, the team identified a previously unknown region of DNA surrounding the GDF5 gene. Within this region called GROW1 the researchers found a nucleotide change that is prevalent in Europeans and Asians, but which rarely occurs in Africans.

The thinking goes that this genetic change which is found in half of Europeans and Asians was favoured when modern humans made the trek out of Africa between 50,000 and 100,000 years ago, conferring some kind of physiological benefit to the migrants on the trail.

"Because it's been positively selected, this gene variant is present in billions of people," says developmental biologist David Kingsley from Stanford University.

"So even though it only increases each person's risk by less than twofold, it's likely responsible for millions of cases of arthritis around the globe."

But how would a gene variant that reduces bone growth help our long-ago predecessors survive in colder climates anyway, especially since it's served with a side order of boosting arthritis prospects?

The hypothesis is that a more compact body structure with shorter bones may have helped curb the risk of breaking bones and incurring serious injury and that the benefits conferred from this stoutness outweighed the pain and inconvenience of sore joints.

"It's possible that climbing around in cold environments was enough of a risk factor to select for a protective variant even if it brought along an [increased] likelihood of an age-related disease like arthritis, which typically doesn't develop until late in life," Kingsley explains.

In addition to lowering the risk of broken limbs, it's also possible the reduced growth made it easier to withstand other dangers that come with colder weather, thanks to less exposed skin and extremities.

"Limb proportions in many endothermic animals follow a classic geographic pattern called Allen's rule, in which species at higher, colder latitudes evolve shorter distal appendages than do closely related species at lower, warmer latitudes," the authors explain in their paper.

"Shorter appendages conserve body heat and lessen the risk of frostbite in extremities in colder environments."

While the authors acknowledge that their hypothesis about why our ancestors favoured the GDF5 variant is speculative, there's clearly something going on here, because this genetic adaption didn't only happen once.

The migration out of Africa that took place between 50,000 and 100,000 years ago wasn't the first such journey. In earlier times, Neanderthals and Denisovans also made the migration, and an analysis of the DNA of these ancient forebears also indicated the GROW1 variant, suggesting humans have repeatedly favoured the mutation.

So, while many of us may in our lifetimes experience the pains and discomfort that come with osteoarthritis, perhaps in a small way we should be grateful.

After all, it's the legacy of an ancient and perhaps crucial survival trait and one, without which, some of us might not be here at all.

The findings are reported in Nature Genetics.

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The Mutation That Helped Ancient Humans Survive Frostbite Probably Gave Us Arthritis - ScienceAlert

UC Davis researchers say they have found a way to produce artificial cartilage that's pretty close to the real thing.

Researchers are hoping it will eventually help some people with arthritis avoid hip and knee replacements.

Cartilage is the padding between your bones that allows for movement and range of motion.

Kyriacos Athanasiou is a professor of Biomedical Engineering at UC Davis.

He says previous attempts at engineered cartilage have failed to withstand the long-term pressure we put on our joints.

"To give you an idea. Every time I take a step, I can apply six times my body weight across each one of my knees," says Athanasiou.

To develop a stronger cartilage, researchers in his lab slowly stretched the tissue as it was being generated from a few natural cells.

He says their engineered tissue is six times as strong as any other.

According to the Centers For Disease Control, 30 million Americans have osteoarthritis, also referred to as joint pain due to deteriorating cartilage.

Athanasiou says osteoarthritis starts with small defects in your cartilage.

With our approach, we should be able to treat these defects before they destroy the entire joint, says Athanasiou.

His tissue has been tested in rabbits, mice, sheep and other animals for short periods of time.

The next step is testing for longer periods and eventually going through a human safety test and an FDA approval process.

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UC Davis Researchers Produce Artificial Cartilage To Help Those With Arthritis - Capital Public Radio News

GEORGIA FORRESTER

Last updated17:59, July 4 2017

123rf.com

A a female rheumatologist would be starting at Midcentral DHB in late July.

Palmerston North Hospital has employed anewrheumatologist, bringing much-needed relief to patients suffering from chronic pain.

MidCentralDistrict Health Board confirmed afemale rheumatologist would be starting in late July.

Rheumatologiststypically deal with chronic, long-term conditions,autoimmuneconditions and arthritis.

The hospital lost two rheumatologists in 2016after a longserving specialist retired in August, and the other resigned in December to moveoverseas.

READ MORE: *Concerns raised over shortage of arthritis specialists and delays in replacements *Arthritis sufferer told hospital department will close - DHB denies this

The almost eight month wait to fill the job has left some patients frustrated and forced others to seek treatment at other DHBs.

Scleroderma patient Catherine Thompson was "appalled" by the wait.

Thompson is one of a handful of patients in Manawatu with a rare condition that causes a thickening of the skin and connective tissues.

Scleroderma patients often sought help from rheumatologists, who had experience with autoimmune diseases, she said.

During the time there was no specialist in the district, some patients travelled to Wellington and one to Auckland for treatment, she said.

Palmerston North's Arthritis Support Group shared her concern.The group's secretary treasurer Anne Odogwu said one woman with particularlybad arthritis sought treatment in Wellington.

In a meeting on Tuesday, MidCentralchief executive Kathryn Cook admitted it taken "quite some time" to employ a rheumatologist.

Cook said it waschallenging to recruit people with the qualifications and skills during, at times,national and international shortages.

The hospital's workforce update report showed there were 56 full-time equivalent vacancies.

"We have less of a challenge in the nursing space and more of a challenge in the allied health and medical space for specific roles. But in saying that, our trend is worsening," Cook said.

Compared nationally, however, MidCentral was "certainly not" one of the worst performers when it came to recruitment, she said.

Hospital services operations director Lyn Horgansaidthere was a nationwide and international shortage of specialist rheumatologists.

MidCentral's rheumatology service was small, and dealt primarily with out-patients suffering arthritis, but it did also receive a small number of urgent referrals.

The arrival of the hospital's new specialist was delayed "longer than expected" due to the relocation process, she said.

In the interim, the services of a Hawke's Bay rheumatologist were used for urgent referrals and other follow-up clinic patients. Others were seen by their GPs.

-Stuff

Original post:
Palmerston North to get arthritis specialist after long wait - Stuff.co.nz

A few alterations to daily habits can ease joint pain in your joints or alleviate the symptoms completely!

Photo: newenglandspineanddisc

Wear and tear, swelling and chronic pain in the joints are symptoms of what is formally dubbed as arthritis. Rheumatic and osteoarthritis are the most common forms of arthritis in Pakistan, majorly affecting women over40.

Developing arthritis is wrongly attributed as a consequence of aging. There are, in fact, a number of commonhabits that may cause the symptoms to develop and maybe exacerbate your condition. Here is a list of tips to beat joint pain andget your life back!

1)Make your kitchen joint-friendly

Disclaimer: all mums take note!Laborious lifting and movement of utensils while working in the kitchen may cause chronic pain in the joints. An interesting tip to minimise joint pain is to use aluminum utensils that weigh lighter and electronic processors that make kneading, whisking and grinding easy. Utensils with two handles also ease pressure on the joints while working in the kitchen.

WHO team to investigate chikungunya outbreak in Karachi today

2)Do notbe a couch patato

Research provesthat mild physical activity after every thirty minutes keeps the joints in shape. It is advisable to engage in mild physical activity if you have been sitting for too long. If your work requires you to sit for long stretches or you have been watching television non-stop basking on the couch, it is not a bad idea to set the alarm for a break after every half an houror maybe do push-upsduring commercial breaks! Every little goes a long way!

3)Make exercise a necessity

Some form of physical activity that races up your heartbeat for at least thirty minutes a day is imperative to your health. This could be anything from swimming, cycling to a walk in the park or doing yoga in your living room. Physical activity keeps your joints active and prevents the cartilage from swelling.

4)Keep an eye on your BMI

Studies have found a correlation between obesityand osteoarthritis. Keeping the weighing scales in check and within the range of a healthy BMI is important when it comes to steering clear of osteoarthritis. Excess weight makesmovementcumbersome for your joints and bones so keep that in mind before downing that giant cheesy burger!

5)Calcium and Vitamin D supplements

Make sure that your dailyintake of calcium and vitamin D is sufficient. It is advisable to take supplements as prescribed by your physician. Inadequate exposure to sunlight is a major cause of Vitamin D deficiency. If you want to leave no stone unturned in beating arthritis and joint pain, make sure youget your daily dose of sunshine or dhoop therapy!

6)Say YES tofish

Fish is jam-packed withomega-3s which help keep the cartilage healthy and intact, improvingthe lubrication between bones and joints. Making fish a major chunk of your weakly mealsis a way to escape arthritis before it even starts and for those of you who already inflicted by the condition, fish consumption will be a ray of hope we promise!

Mind over matter: Psychology is key to overall education, health

7)Avoid the elevator, take the stairs

Yes! Thats correct! Our metropolitan lifestyles with high-rise buildings and automobiles have minimised the amount of movementwe need. Climbing stairs is a way to retain some level of physical activity that is essential to keep us fit. So the next time you have to go to the third floor, climb the stairs instead of taking the elevator and your bones, joints and muscles will thank you!

Have something to add in the story? Share it in the comments below.

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7 ridiculously simple ways to beat arthritis - The Express Tribune - The Express Tribune

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WBTS) - It is a known way to relieve pain in people, and now the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island, is one of the first in the country to try acupuncture on a giraffe.

A nearly 2,000-pound patient named Sukari suffers from arthritis. The life expectancy for the species is usually in the teens, but Sukari is 24 years old and showing signs of aging.

When she started slowing down, the animal keepers and other veterinary professionals started various medical treatments before deciding to introduce acupuncture.

There were a lot of things we had to consider, Dr. Jeremy Goodman, the zoos executive director, said. Will the giraffe tolerate it? Would it be effective? Would the keepers be able to administer it, and how safe would it be?

Officials brought in a certified veterinary medical acupuncturist who used to intern at the zoo to begin treatments in March.

She had a little bit of hesitation right at the first treatment, some of the tail flicking and swishing, said Dr. Diva Malinowski Green.

While she administers the acupuncture, the keepers feed Sukari as a way to distract her and give her positive reinforcement for standing still.

The treatment for the animal is similar to human acupuncture in that the goal is to relieve pain by hitting certain points that reduce inflammation and assist with blood flow. The needles are also the same, even though the animal patient is much bigger.

The points are very much the same across species; however, because this species is built a little bit differently, you have to adapt the points, Green said.

After 45 minutes and 14 needles focused on the area around her hips, Sukari is finished with the session. She receives the treatment every other week, and so far, those at the zoo believe it is working.

We think it really is keeping her arthritis at bay, Goodman said. We know eventually her time will come, but until that point, and we hope its not for a while, shes going to have a great life here.

See the article here:
Aging giraffe receives acupuncture for arthritis - WTHR

SAN FRANCISCO San Francisco-based fashion designer Yuka Uehara will lead the Arthritis Foundations 15th Annual Fashion Fights Arthritis Friday, October 20, at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco.

The Arthritis Foundations Fashion Fights Arthritis is a community-driven fundraiser and a fun, lighthearted way of talking about the seriousness of arthritis the nations leading cause of disability.

More than 50 million adults and 300,000 kids in the U.S. have arthritis, including 5.9 million adults in California alone. The disease costs the U.S. economy $128 billion annually and limits activity more than heart disease, cancer or diabetes.

This years event will feature a thrilling runway show featuring Yuka Ueharas Tokyo Gamine Haute Couture line, and will offer a champagne reception, silent auction, luncheon and a live auction.

All proceeds support the Arthritis Foundations mission to conquer and cure arthritis.

Tickets are now on sale online at http://www.arthritis.org/FashionFightsArthritis or call 415-356-5484 for more information.

Yuka Uehara is a Japanese-born, San Francisco-based fashion designer.Originally a medical student, Uehara began working in design when her father, filmmaker Ryuji Fukuyama, hired her to work in the costume department of his productions.

She has been working in fashion ever since, teaching herself both design and craft. Film and storytelling still informs her creative practice as she is a firm believer in the relationship between costume and character.

Fashion sends a message about who you are and where you come from. It is for that reason that Uehara has a close bond with her clients, making items that work in harmony with their personas, strengthen their narratives. Every woman is the protagonist of her own story, Uehara exclaims, Fashion is there to encourage that.

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Fashion Fights Arthritis '17 comes to San Francisco Oct. 20 - Inquirer.net

Question: I have an old mixed-breed dog that has had arthritis for years and it has gotten to the point where he needs my help to get up off the floor. It is getting very hard for me to lift him. He took many different NSAIDS in his life, but now his kidneys and liver are not good, so we decided to take him off of those since they can cause more damage. We tried Tramadol and Gabapentin, but they did not help and just made him loopy. I read about a new drug for dogs called Galliprant. I asked my vet about it but he did not know anything. Would it help my Snoopy without hurting him?

Answer: It is not uncommon for dogs to have deteriorating kidney and liver function as they age. They often have stiff, aching joints as well.

We have been blessed with many good NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to help decrease inflammation and pain. These drugs have been lifesavers for many dogs, and have allowed them to live longer happier lives. Unfortunately, they do have limitations and can cause gastrointestinal issues, like ulcers or vomiting, but more importantly, they are filtered through the kidneys and liver, and complications can develop if the function of these organs are compromised. This is why routine blood testing is mandatory when your dog is taking NSAIDS.

Galliprant is a new class of non-COX inhibiting NSAID medications that are used to treat osteoarthritis pain in dogs. Plumbs Veterinary formulary says: It could potentially cause significantly fewer severe adverse effects in dogs than other NSAIDS. The main side effect is diarrhea or vomiting.

Since Galliprant is a new class of osteoarthritis medication, long-term experience is somewhat limited. Most patients that have been placed on it long term are elderly dogs that have failed all other alternatives. Most owners report that their dogs response to the medication has been very good especially with the response in their dogs comfort level and increased mobility. I would feel very comfortable using this medication on my elderly dog.

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New drug Galliprant a good option for elderly dogs with arthritis - Palm Beach Post

For older adults who suffer from knee pain caused by osteoarthritis, the future can look a bit bleak. But what if there was an opportunity to find relief, make some new friends and improve your lifestyle all by becoming part of a research study?

Wake Forest University will be conducting a study on knee osteoarthritis, otherwise known as OA, within a community setting, thanks to a federal grant, and they need willing participants. Curious? Here are 5 facts about the study to help you decide if its right for you.

1. The study has passionate and dedicated scientists rooting for it to work

Does 28 years sound like a long while? Thats the amount of time that Wake Forest professor Steve Messier and his colleagues have studied the topic of osteoarthritis and how diet and exercise can affect its severity.

According to Messier, OA is the leading cause of disability in older adults, with more than 250 million people suffering from it. Its safe to say the scientists behind these studies have your best interest at heart.

2. Wake Forest is bringing together a highly skilled and experienced team of scientists for the study

The National Institutes of Health have awarded this research team with the largest grant in the history of Wake Forest University, and the folks at Wake Forest are excited to share the process with a few other reputable institutions. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Harvard University, East Carolina University and the University of Sydney in Australia are all planned as co-investigators in the study.

3. Unlike earlier studies, this one will be less controlled and more realistic

The latest study, which is known as WE-CAN, Weight Loss and Exercise for Communities with Arthritis in North Carolina will put the many years that Messier and his colleagues have worked on clinical study results into what they called a real-world setting. The study will have more variables than controls, since it will care for people with knee osteoarthritis in a community setting.

4. The results of WE-CAN could be a game-changer for those with OA

Doctors often treat OA with surgery or medicines and havent had a vehicle, as Messier puts it, to assist their patients with lifestyle changes, WE-CAN will be an ideal component to achieving success with exercise and diet.

The ultimate goal is to inspire communities to establish easily assessable common fitness spots, such as churches and community recreation centers, in both rural and urban areas in which physicians can direct their patients for long term treatment with exercise and diet that is cost-effective, an important component that could make it attractive to insurance companies.

5. If you suspect youre a candidate, you probably are

If participating in this new community study sounds appealing to you, theres a probability youre a candidate. Participants should be at least 50 years of age and overweight, with ongoing knee pain on most days. They will be grouped into two segments, with one as the diet and exercise group and one as the nutrition and health group. All in all, there is room for 820 adults (450 in Forsyth County) to take part in the study.

This study is significant in that it will test the effectiveness of a long-awaited and much needed community-based program, Messier says. It will serve as a blueprint for clinicians and public health officials in both urban and rural communities.

To learn more about this study, call 713-8539.

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Suffer from Arthritis? Study Seeks to Learn if Weight Loss and Exercise Help - Winston-Salem Journal

A new cream being tested at the Royal Adelaide Hospital could provide relief for both arthritis and dermatitis patients.

Developed by a Melbourne pharmaceutical company, the "wonder cream" contains a new chemical which could help to suppress inflammation caused by both conditions.

A small pilot trial carried out on arthritis sufferers proved to be successful, with researchers surprised at just how effective the topical treatment was.

"We've noticed patients coming back the next day saying my pain has dramatically reduced," Dr Guy Ludbrook from the Royal Adelaide Hospital said.

Tamara Tipple was among the first contingent of participants to test it out.

The 42-year-old was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2014 after experiencing severe pain in her hands and shoulders while working in a kitchen.

"I was in excruciating pain before. I didn't know if I could continue my employment," she said.

She used the cream for a week and says the results were life-changing.

"Within a day, I could just put it on my knuckles and joints and get instant relief," she said.

Researchers believe the cream could have fewer side effects than some current treatments and say it could help sufferers of all types of arthritis; however, the cream still needs to be tested on a larger contingent of patients to prove its effectiveness.

Their focus is now on the next trial, which will look at whether dermatitis patients will also experience the same results.

"You think dermatitis might be quite different to arthritis but funnily enough those cytokines (proteins that regulate inflammatory responses) and those inflammatory mechanisms cross both. So what we're very excited about is a drug that can potentially have a broad range of applications," Dr Ludbrook said.

Recruitment is currently underway for the dermatitis trial.

To see if you're eligible to participate, please contact the hospital on 8222 2712 or email http://www.adelaide.edu.au/painresearch.

Nine Digital Pty Ltd 2017

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New 'wonder cream' could provide relief for arthritis and dermatitis sufferers - 9news.com.au

Arthritis in rural communities Arthritis effects 54 million adults throughout rural America.

Posted on June 28, 2017 by Gretchen Stelter, Michigan State University Extension

The number of adults who live in rural or urban areas and are affected by arthritis was the topic of a recently published CDC analysis. Researchers found that more adults in rural areas are affected by arthritis with nearly 1 in 3 affected, than in urban areas. One of the challenges in rural areas is transportation, as often many roads and paths are unsafe to walk on. Winter in Michigan can last quite a bit longer than many other states and if you live in a rural area of Michigan it is more difficult to be on the go.

Those that suffer from chronic diseases such as arthritis, must keep moving. If a person with arthritis does not have an exercise routine, they will encounter limitations when performing daily tasks along with work and social limitations.

Water exercise is one of the best exercises for arthritis due to less irritation on the joints. Many times balance is affected due to arthritis in the legs or back. Participate in a balance class such as tai chi or yoga, or a chair exercise class such as A Matter of Balance.

Also, diet plays a key role in managing arthritis. Limiting sodium and alcohol helps keep down the inflammation of arthritis. It is a good idea to communicate with your health provider about foods that may trigger inflammation. You can also go to the Arthritis Foundation for ideas on living a healthy lifestyle with arthritis

Michigan State University Extension offers Chronic Pain PATH. The program is designed for those who are living with a chronic condition such as arthritis. Participants learn important skills such as goal-setting, dealing with pain and fatigue, communicating with health care professionals and managing medications. Topics discussed during this educational series better equip individuals to face daily challenges of living with chronic conditions.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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Arthritis in rural communities - Michigan State University Extension

The European Commission (EC) approved Regenerons and Sanofis interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R)-targeting monoclonal antibody (mAb) Kevzara (sarilumab) combined with methotrexate for treating moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults who cannot tolerate or who do not respond adequately to one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Regulatory approval in Europe also covers Kevzara monotherapy when methotrexate therapy isnt tolerated or is inappropriate. FDA approved Kevzara last month, either as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate or DMARDs, for treating adults who have had an inadequate response or who are intolerant to DMARDs.

Approval of Kevzara in Europe was based on data from the global SARIL-RA program, which included seven Phase III studies and more than 3000 patients. Results from the Phase III MONARCH trial indicated that Kevzara monotherapy was more effective than AbbVies Humira (adalimumab) monotherapy in terms of reducing disease activity and improving physical function. The Phase III MOBILITY trial showed that Kevzara plus methotrexate reduced disease signs and symptoms, improved physical function, and inhibited progression of structural damage by up to 91% when compared with methotrexate plus placebo. In the Phase III TARGET trial, Kevzara plus a DMARD reduced disease signs and symptoms and improved physical function compared with DMARD plus placebo.

Commenting on EC approval of the antibody, Elias Zerhouni, M.D., president, global R&D at Sanofi, said, "Kevzara works differently from some of the other most commonly used biologics, and its approval is good news for the many patients where a high unmet need remains."

"We are pleased to bring Kevzara to European patients who may not be responding to the most commonly used biologics, such as tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, or who may be seeking an effective monotherapy to reach their treatment goals," added George D. Yancopoulos, M.D., Ph.D., founding scientist, president, and CSO at Regeneron.

Sanofi and Regeneron teamed up in 2007 to identify targets and develop antibody treatments for multiple therapeutic indications. Earlier this month, the firms presented positive data from the Phase IIIb/IV ODYSSEY-DM INSULIN and ODYSSEY-DM DYSLIPIDEMIA studies evaluating their globally marketed cholesterol-lowering PCSK9 antibody Praluent (alirocumab) in patients with diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Data from the studies was presented at the recent 77th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association in San Diego, CA.

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Sanofi, Regeneron Win EC Approval of Kevzara for Rheumatoid ... - Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News

According to experts from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet), 60 percent of dogs over the age of seven suffer chronic discomfort from degenerative joint disease, more commonly known as arthritis. It often goes unnoticed by the dogs owners, however, because they are not familiar with the signs. Humans talk about pain, and express it by crying or wincing. Dogs will rarely vocalize unless the pain is acutea toenail cut too short, stomach distress, a broken bone.

Signs of chronic discomfort are subtle and can come on so gradually that the dogs person often doesnt notice until a veterinarian points out the changes. A dog whos uncomfortable may slow down, reluctant to run as fast or walk as far as she once did. She may be stiff after lying down, or take longer to get up and moving when its cold or damp outside. An uncomfortable arthritic dog may be grumpier, sleep more and decline to take part in games she used to love.

Unsure if your dog is suffering from arthritis? One of the easiest ways to tell is with a trial of pain medication. Talk with your veterinarian about your concerns, and request a weeks worth of anti-inflammatory medication. While your dog is on the medication, keep a diary and note changes in her behavior. People are often amazed at how youthful their older dogs act once their discomfort is relieved.

Penn Vet assistant professor of small animal surgery Kimberly A. Agnello, BA, DVM, MS, one of the nations foremost researchers in canine pain management, has some advice on how people can help their arthritic dogs feel better.

According to Dr. Agnello, one of the easiest, most cost-effective and beneficial ways to reduce pain associated with arthritis is to maintain dogs at their healthy weight. She described a recent patient with hip dysplasia who came to her overweight and in pain from arthritis. The dog was scheduled for hip surgery, but first the dogs owner was instructed to put the dog on a diet. Turns out that when dog lost weight, he improved so much that he ended up not needing surgery. The dog felt better and his owner saved money on food as well as on the procedure.

Once the pain is controlled, strengthening in the form of rehabilitation exercises is vital to maintaining strength and mobility; even one visit to a canine rehab veterinarian for instruction in how to do these with your dog can be useful. Dogs can also be helped by alternative therapies such as joint supplements (high quality fish oil is an excellent choice; check with your vet for the appropriate dosage), acupuncture and cold laser.

When it comes to medication, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) continue to be the mainstay of pharmaceutical treatment for canine arthritis. These drugs are relatively safe, and generic forms are available. Dogs on NSAIDs long-term require annual blood work to check liver and kidney function.

As with humans, one size does not fit all when it comes to NSAIDs. Most commonly, a veterinarian will start by recommending carprofen, which has been around a long time, is highly effective, more affordable in the generic formulation and tolerated well by most dogs. It may sometimes provoke an upset stomach or diarrhea, and abnormal changes in blood work may also be seen. In that case, most veterinarians will reach for a second or third NSAID, such as deracoxib, meloxicam or firocoxib.

A new anti-inflammatory drug, grapiprant, was approved by the FDA last year for management of chronic canine arthritis pain. A prostaglandin receptor antagonist, it specifically blocks the EP4 receptor, which is the primary receptor involved in arthritis pain. It is considered safer than many of the other NSAIDs available because its mechanism of action is so specific, meaning that it does not affect other systems in the body like other NSAIDS might. Grapiprant is labeled for use in dogs as young as nine months of age, which makes it a good drug for those with early-onset arthritis from hip or elbow dysplasia, but should not be used for dogs smaller than eight pounds.

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New Pain Management for Canine Arthritis - The Bark (blog)