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Shreveport, LA -- Juvenile Arthritis is a condition no child and their family should have to go through.

That's why rheumatoid arthritis doctor Tom Pressly started Jambalaya Jubilee to help children and the families get the latest on medicine in their field and also meet others like themselves. The children also get to do fun activities at the family retreat together like arts and craft, bowling, and visiting facilities like Sci-Port.

This year is the 27th annual Jambalaya Jubilee and 44 families were a part of the program.

Saturday morning, they were visited by Kansas City Chiefs player Charcandrick West who also had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. He says he was once bedridden by the pain, but Dr. Pressly helped him find a cure.

Today West told the children in the camp that no dream is too big for them and that they shouldn't let anyone discourage them from following it.

West says it's a blessing for him to be able to meet with the kids and see them fight their illness.

Both West and Dr. Presssly hope the camp encourages the children to lead their lives and follow their dreams. Pressly also hopes families see that they aren't alone in their struggle and their children can still lead normal lives.

See original here:
Camp for children with arthritis gets visited by NFL player - KTBS

While much of the Western world is only just beginning to embrace the notion of medical marijuana for humans, theres an even more controversial debate lurking right around the corner hasanyone thought about giving their pet a strong dose of pot?

Immediately, images of dogs with great big marijuana joints hanging out of their mouths jump into your mind. Or perhaps a cute little kitten taking a good long drag on a bong and going into a fit of cute kitten coughs. While its a slightly hilarious mental picture, its obviously not accurate how the heck would you get them to inhale the smoke anyway? Smoke a joint yourself and blow it into their face?

But beyond the practical (and ethical) dilemma such a scene represents, theres another reason why your pet isnt going to be ingesting marijuana: its not marijuana that theyre ingesting! Not the kind that you became familiar with in your rebellious teenage years, anyway.

Hemp contains CBD, responsible for multiple health-promoting effects.

Lets get one thing straight: hemp and marijuana are, indeed, the same species. Theres actually a lot of misconceptions surrounding what exactly hemp is, with many people thinking theyre either completely separate species, or that hemp is the male variety of Cannabis sativa and marijuana the female.

The truth is, hemp and marijuana are simply different cultivars of the exact same species. While marijuana contains high levels of THC, the cannabinoid that creates that mind-altering high, hemp is required by law to have a THC concentration of 0.3 percent or less. Also, depending on the specific cultivar, hemp often contains higher levels of the therapeutic active compound cannabidiol (CBD), which is responsible for almost all of Cannabis sativas health-promoting effects.

For this reason, most of the cannabis products on the market aimed at pets are in fact hemp, as this still elicits the therapeutic effects on your pet but doesnt get them staring vacantly at the TV or eating everything in sight. The exception, of course, is those products specifically formulated for treating pet anxiety. In this case, a strong dose of THC from good old marijuana is just the ticket.

The short answer is: maybe. Theres a growing body of evidence to confirm that medical marijuana (and indeed hemp) has a huge range of beneficial effects on the body and mind of us humans. You can take your pick of the therapeutic powers of marijuana: cancer treatment, pain-alleviating, reduction in multiple sclerosis symptoms, epilepsy treatment and of course as an antidepressant.

And while our physiology may differ considerably from that of our pets, there are enough similarities to confirm that many of these same therapeutic effects of marijuana can also be experienced by our animals. Unfortunately, because its an emerging field, theres not as much scientific evidence as one would like. But, what studies have been completed show a lot of promise. And there are the thousands of anecdotal case studies from pet owners all over the world to consider.

But before we dive any deeper, its important to emphasize that every pet is different. As you well know, they come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny little birds to Great Danes or even horses. For each species and indeed each breed, the dosage is always going to be different, meaning you should consult your vet before starting your problematic pet on a course of cannabis.

So, why should you give your pet marijuana to treat his or her health problems? Lets find out.

Multiple studies have shown that CBD can treat arthritis, and it may be true for your pet too.

Many holistic vets across the country are recommending medical marijuana for the treatment of arthritis in certain animals, including cats and dogs. They maintain that the potent anti-inflammatory compounds in marijuana and hemp, largely in the form of CBD, can provide significant relief from pain in arthritic pets and enable them to have fuller, more enjoyable lives.

And theres plenty of research out there, admittedly mostly conducted on rats and mice, that supports these veterinary claims. A study published in 2000 in the journal PNAS used a concentrated form of CBD (which youll recall is found in high concentrations in hemp, and to a lesser extent marijuana) to treat two different forms of arthritis in mice. They found that in both models of arthritis, the treatment effectively blocked progression of arthritis.

Another study, this time published in 2004, examined the therapeutic effect that CBD exhibited on rats that had been injected with inflammation-causing and arthritis-inducing carrageenan. Researchers concluded that the CBD had significant beneficial effects on many different markers of both inflammation and arthritis.

For this reason, using medical marijuana, hemp or a high-quality cannabidiol (CBD) treatment can provide good levels of relief for your pet, especially cats, dogs and (apparently) rats and mice. Combining CBD treatment with other holistic treatments, like massage, acupuncture (yup, acupuncture for pets is a thing!) and fish oil, can increase your chance of success.

Inflammatory bowel disease is a surprisingly common affliction in pets, particularly cats. By reducing inflammation, its possible that the CBD in marijuana may help to alleviate symptoms of IBS. By soothing their gastrointestinal tract, the CBD will also allow them to regain a healthy weight and be more enthusiastic about eating. Perhaps a little too enthusiastic at times!

CBD may promote feelings of calm for your anxious pet.

Just as it is in humans, anxiety is a very real problem in many pets. Our cat, Ollie, had all sorts of problems with anxiety, stemming from a very troubled kittenhood as an abandoned street cat. While we were able to soothe much of those anxieties away over years of TLC, he still suffered form serious bouts of anxiety from time to time, particularly when lightning storms rolled in across the lake. The last time this happened, he actually suffered from a complete urinary tract blockage, and we spent many hundreds of dollars and a harrowing week trying to bring him back from the brink with various drugs and anti-anxiety medications.

The CBD in medical marijuana has the ability to almost instantaneously foster feelings of tranquility and calm in pets, thereby helping them to overcome their anxiety. And while I dont recommend regular use of marijuana to calm their frayed nerves, in scenarios like our beloved Ollies case, it may be a life-saving move.

Liivi Hess

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Tags: anxiety, arthritis, cannabis, cats, CBD, dogs, hemp, ibs, inflammation, marijuana, medical marijuana, pets, pot, THC, weed

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Should You Give Your Pet Medical Marijuana For Arthritis? - The Alternative Daily (blog)

June 16, 2017

The results of two studies presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 press conference revealed promising data supporting two new drug classes for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

New agents working on different inflammatory aspects of PsA are needed in the treatment of PsA patients living with this chronic immune-mediated disease, which involves both joint and skin symptoms.

In the first study, in patients with active PsA who had not previously been prescribed an anti-TNF treatment, tofacitinib (an oral Janus kinase inhibitor under investigation for the treatment of PsA), was superior to placebo in ACR20 response rates and change from baseline in the HAQ-DI score at 3 months. Tofacitinib demonstrated superiority to placebo as early as week 2, and this was maintained for 12 months. No new safety risks were identified compared to previous studies in other indications.1

In the second study, in patients with active PsA and 3% or more of their body surface area affected by plaque psoriasis despite current or previous treatment with standard-of-care therapies, including anti-TNF treatments, guselkumab demonstrated significant improvement in joint symptoms, physical function, psoriasis, enthesitis , dactylitis and quality of life. Guselkumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting IL-23, in this Phase 2 study for the treatment of PsA, was well tolerated with no unexpected safety findings in this patient population.2 Guselkumab is now being pursued in a Phase 3 development programme for psoriatic arthritis.

Tofacitinib Phase 3 Results positive for treating PsA

At month 3, tofacitinib 5 and 10 mg twice-daily showed a statistically significant improvement compared to placebo as measured by the ACR20 response (p?0.05 and p<0.0001 respectively), and change from baseline in the HAQ-DI score (p?0.05 and p<0.001).

"Despite the differences emerging in the pathophysiology of PsA and rheumatoid arthritis, tofacitinib, which works on many different cytokines, shows efficacy in the treatment of both conditions," said lead author Professor Philip J. Mease from the Swedish-Providence St. Joseph Health Systems and University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, US. "Since tofacitinib is a tablet and not an injection, once it receives regulatory approval, it is likely to be popular with both physicians and patients," he added.

Tofacitinib 5 and 10 mg twice-daily was superior to placebo for ACR20 response rates at week 2 (p<0.001 and p<0.0001 respectively) with responses maintained to 12 months. Greater efficacy was also seen for adalimumab vs. placebo.

More than 91% of patients were radiographic non-progressors at 12 months. Safety findings were similar between the treatment groups at 12 months. The most common adverse events were upper respiratory tract infection (7.5-10.6%), nasopharyngitis (7.5-11.5%) and headache (3.8-10.6%).

Eligible patients in this randomised, placebo- and active-controlled, 12-month Phase 3 trial had a PsA diagnosis for at least 6 months, fulfilled CASPAR criteria , had active arthritis (at least 3 tender/painful and at least 3 swollen joints) and active plaque psoriasis at screening, inadequate response to at least 1 csDMARD , and were tumour necrosis factor-inhibitor (TNFi)-nave.

422 patients were randomised 2:2:2:1:1 to tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice daily, adalimumab 40 mg subcutaneous injection every 2 weeks, or placebo (advancing to tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice-daily at 3 months). Stable treatment with 1 csDMARD was required. 96.9% of patients were white and 53.3% were female; mean age was 47.9 years. 96.2% and 88.4% of patients completed 3 and 12 months respectively.

Guselkumab improved PsA symptoms, physical function and quality of life

In this Phase 2a study, significantly more guselkumab-treated patients achieved ACR 20/50/70 responses and Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) 75/90/100 responses at week 24. Nearly 40% of patients in the active group, vs. 6.3% in the placebo arm, achieved PASI 100 (completely clear skin) at week 24.

"Guselkumab, which targets IL-23, appears to be a promising new treatment of PsA," said lead author Professor Atul Deodhar from Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, US. "Although anti-TNF treatments have revolutionised the management of psoriatic arthritis, new next-generation therapies are needed in the treatment of this disease," he added.

As early as 4 weeks into treatment, 21% in the guselkumab group had a significant treatment effect on ACR20 response, compared to zero in the placebo group (p<0.001). The ACR response in the active arm increased with time, with 58% of subjects reaching a 20% improvement in joint symptoms at week 24, versus 18.4% of those on placebo (p<0.001). Fourteen percent of patients on guselkumab achieved ACR70, versus 2% on placebo, at week 24 (p=0.023).

Resolved enthesitis occurred in 29.0% of those patients with enthesitis at baseline in the placebo group at week 24, versus 56.6% on guselkumab (p=0.012). The percentage resolution from baseline to week 24 for dactylitis (in those patients with dactylitis at baseline) was 17.4% of patients on placebo, versus 55.2% on guselkumab (p<0.001). And the percentage of patients achieving minimal disease activity at week 24 was 2% for placebo compared to 23% in the guselkumab group (p=0.001).

Patients in the active arm also seemed to experience mental benefits, with significantly higher scores on the SF-36 mental component summary (p=0.002), in addition to significantly higher physical component scores (p<0.001).

Guselkumab was well tolerated; through week 24, the proportion of patients with at least 1 adverse event was comparable between the two groups (guselkumab 36.0% vs. placebo 32.7%). Infections were the most common adverse events (guselkumab 17.0% vs. placebo 20.4%). The researchers reported no serious infections, cancer or death during the 24 weeks of the study.

This Phase 2a, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre study included 149 active PsA patients. Patients had psoriasis plaques covering three percent or more of their body surface area, despite standard-of-care treatment, which in some patients included anti-TNF agents. In a 2:1 ratio, patients received either 100 mg guselkumab given subcutaneously, or placebo at baseline and week four; then, every eight weeks through week 44.

Patients in both arms who had less than a 5 percent improvement from baseline in swollen and tender joint counts by week 16 could qualify for early escape and switch to open-label therapy with ustekinumab. All remaining placebo patients crossed over to the guselkumab arm at week 24.

Baseline demographics and ACR component measures were generally similar between the two groups. Four (8.2%) of the patients in the placebo group and 9 (9.0%) of patients in the guselkumab group had been previously exposed to an anti-TNF agent

Explore further: Tofacitinib ups rheumatoid arthritis treatment response

(HealthDay)The addition of tofacitinib to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment regimens improves patient response to non-biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), according to a study published in the Aug. ...

A Phase 3 clinical trial demonstrates that tofacitinib improves disease activity and inhibits progression of joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who did not respond to methotrexate (MTX). Results of the 12-month ...

The results of two studies presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 press conference have highlighted limitations in the current treatment of patients with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA).

New data presented today at EULAR 2013, the Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism show that apremilast administered to patients with psoriatic arthritis continues to demonstrate meaningful clinical responses ...

Results of a Phase III study presented today at the EULAR 2011 Annual Congress show that at 6 months, 58.3 percent of patients who had previously not responded to treatment with DMARDs, achieved ACR20 response (a 20 percent ...

In a pivotal phase-3 clinical trial led by a Stanford University School of Medicine investigator, patients with psoriatic arthritis for whom standard-of-care pharmaceutical treatments have provided no lasting relief experienced ...

Stepping up to biologic therapy when methotrexate monotherapy fails offers minimal incremental benefit over using a combination of drugs known as triple therapy, yet incurs large costs for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ...

New research from the University of Liverpool, published today in the journal npj Systems Biology and Applications, has identified 'cell messages' that could help identify the early stages of osteoarthritis (OA).

Osteoarthritis can potentially be prevented with a good diet and regular exercise, a new expert review published in the Nature Reviews Rheumatology reports.

Maintaining the supply of a molecule that helps to nourish cartilage prevented osteoarthritis in animal models of the disease, according to a report published in Nature Communications online May 11.

The results of a study led by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) investigators suggest that following a diet known to reduce the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease may also reduce the risk of gout. The team's ...

In a preclinical study in mice and human cells, researchers report that selectively removing old or 'senescent' cells from joints could stop and even reverse the progression of osteoarthritis.

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New effective treatments for psoriatic arthritis patients - Medical Xpress - Medical Xpress

June 16, 2017

The studys primary endpoint was an improvement in arthritis signs and symptoms

Janssenannounced results from the Phase 3 study, GO-VIBRANT, evaluatingSimponi Aria(golimumab) for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis. The results were presented at the 2017 Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) in Madrid, Spain.

GO-VIBRANT, a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, evaluated the safety and efficacy of intravenous Simponi Aria in biologic-nave adult patients withactive psoriatic arthritis. Patients (n=480) were randomized to receive Simponi Aria 2mg/kg at Weeks 0, 4, and every 8 weeks thereafter, or placebo at Weeks 0, 4, 12 and 20 with crossover to Simponi Aria at Week 24. The study's primary endpoint was an improvement in arthritis signs and symptoms as measured by the American College of Rheumatology ACR20 response at Week 14. Other endpoints of the trial included ACR50, ACR75, Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI 75) and mean change in HAQ-DI scores.

At Week 14, 75.1% of the treatment group achieved ACR20 vs. 21.8% of the placebo group, demonstrating a statistically significant benefit with Simponi Aria (P<0.001). A greater percentage of patients in the treatment arm compared with placebo achieved ACR50 (43.6% vs. 6.3%, respectively), ACR70 (24.5% vs. 2.1%) and PASI 75 (59.2% vs. 13.6%). The Simponi Aria group also experienced greater improvements in HAQ-DI scores from baseline to Week 14 (0.60) than placebo (0.12). All improvements in secondary endpoints with Simponi Aria were statistically significant withP<0.001.

Additionally, at Week 24, treatment with Simponi Aria showed significant inhibition of joint destruction and damage, joint erosion, and joint space narrowing compared to placebo.

Regarding adverse events, 46.3% of patients receiving Simponi Aria and 40.6% of patients receiving placebo reported at least one adverse event. The most common event was infection, which was seen in 20% of Simponi Aria-treated patients. No events of opportunistic infection or tuberculosis were reported throughout Week 24

Simponi Aria is a fully human anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody that selectively targets TNF-alpha, a protein that causes inflammation and damages cartilage, tissue and bones. By inhibiting both soluble and transmembrane TNF-alpha, Simponi Aria helps control inflammation.

Simponi Aria is currently approved for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis in combination with methotrexate. It is available as single-use vials containing 50mg golimumab per 4mL of solution.

For more information visit SimponiAria.com.

Read the original here:
Golimumab Significantly Improves Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms - Monthly Prescribing Reference (registration)

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. --Charcandrick West, Chiefs running back, teamed up to make a music video with a little girl named Jillian Reid, age 10, because both of them have arthritis.

The music video is meant to raise awareness.

It features Charcandrick singing the song "Body of Steel". You can scroll down to watch and listen to the music video on YouTube.

Some of the lyrics:

We fight every day into the morning light We try to do the impossible. That's right. With every inch of pain, every scar.

One hand Holding onto another hand. One glance Telling me that I can try again and again. I know you got my back if I fall.

We can make it. Just look how far we've come. Everyday is a blessing...

Cause I got a body of steel I'm a fighter

One breath at a time One step at a time

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Music video about arthritis features Charcandrick West and 10-year-old singing partner - fox4kc.com

June 16, 2017

The trial included 363 patients with psoriatic arthritis

Eli Lilly reported that Taltz (ixekizumab) achieved primary and secondary endpoints in SPIRIT-P2, a Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating the treatment in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). These results were announced in the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 in Madrid, Spain.

SPIRIT-P2, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, evaluated the efficacy of Taltz in patients (n=363) with psoriatic arthritis who either exhibited inadequate response to one or two TNF inhibitors or were intolerant to TNF inhibitors. Patients were randomized to two treatment groups of Taltz or placebo for 24 weeks. The dosing regimens for Taltz treatment arms consisted of starting doses of subcutaneous (SC) Taltz 160mg then either 80mg SC once every 2 weeks or once every 4 weeks.

The primary endpoint of the study was the percentage of patients achieving at least a 20% reduction in disease activity as defined by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR20). Secondary endpoints measured included ACR50, ACR70, skin clearance defined by the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), and physical function assessed as change in HAQ-DI scores.

Both Taltz treatment arms showed significant superiority to placebo in achieving the primary endpoint of ACR20 (53% in patients treated every 4 weeks vs. 48% in patients treated every 2 weeks vs. 19% placebo;P<0.0001). Similar results of superiority were seen in comparison of ACR50 (35% and 33% vs. 5%, respectively;P<0.0001) and ACR70 (22% and 12% vs. 0%, respectively;P<0.0001).

Additionally, both Taltz regimens demonstrated significant improvements in skin clearance and HAQ-DI scores at Week 12 and Week 24 compared with placebo.

Treatment with Taltz resulted in greater treatment-emergent adverse events, which included injection site reaction, upper respiratory infection, nasopharyngitis and sinusitis. Other common adverse reactions established in previous trials were nausea and tinea infections.

Ixekizumab is a monoclonal antibody that selectively inhibits interleukin 17A (IL-17A), a cytokine responsible for inflammatory and immune responses. By inhibiting IL-17A, ixekizumab helps control excess inflammation.

Many patients with psoriatic arthritis have tried a variety of therapies and have either lost response over time, had an inadequate response or been intolerant of therapy, stated lead author of the study, Peter Nash, Associate Professor of the University of Queensland. If approved, ixekizumab may provide physicians with a new option in this difficult-to-treat patient population.

Taltz is filed under a supplemental Biologics License Application for the treatment of active PsA in adults. It is currently approved for the treatment of moderate to severeplaque psoriasisin patients who are eligible for systemic therapy or phototherapy.

The SPIRIT-P2 trial will continue to evaluate long-term efficacy and safety of Taltz in PsA for up to 3 years.

For more information visit Taltz.com.

View post:
Ixekizumab Effective in Psoriatic Arthritis After Inadequate TNFi Response - Monthly Prescribing Reference (registration)

June 16, 2017

The ORAL Strategy also compared tofacitinib alone vs. tofacitinib in combination with methotrexate

Pfizerannounced findings from the head-to-head Phase 3b/4 study comparingXeljanz (tofacitinib citrate; Pfizer) with or without methotrexate vs.Humira (adalimumab;AbbVie) with methotrexate for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. The ORAL Strategy also compared Xeljanz alone vs. Xeljanz in combination with methotrexate. Full findings were published in The Lancetand presented during the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 in Madrid, Spain.

The non-inferiority study found that ACR50 response, the primary efficacy endpoint, was achieved in 46% of the Xeljanz 5mg twice daily + methotrexate group, 38.3% of the Xeljanz 5mg twice daily group, and in 43.8% of the Humira 40mg every other week + methotrexate group.

Study author, Dr. Roy Fleischmann, stated, "Although Xeljanz monotherapy did not demonstrate non-inferiority to either combination arm, the clinical responses observed are reflective of those in the Phase 3 clinical program and affirm our understanding that Xeljanz is an important option both in combination with methotrexate and as monotherapy for patients who do not respond to or are intolerant to methotrexate.

Regarding safety data, the most commonly reported adverse events for each study arm were upper respiratory tract infections, alanine aminotransferase elevation, nasopharyngitis, urinary tract infections, and nausea. Between treatment arms, the overall rate of adverse events were similar.

Adverse events were seen in 61.4% of the Xeljanz 5mg twice daily + methotrexate group, 58.9% of the Xeljanz 5mg twice daily group, and in 65.5% of Humira 40mg every other week + methotrexate group. Serious adverse events were noted in 7.2% of the Xeljanz 5mg twice daily + methotrexate group, 9.1% of the Xeljanz 5mg twice daily group, and in 6.2% of Humira 40mg every other week + methotrexate group.

Xeljanz andXeljanz XRare Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors indicated to treat moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis when methotrexate therapy is inadequate. Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR may be used alone or in combination with methotrexate or other non-biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

For more information visitXeljanz.com.

Read more:
Tofacitinib Goes Head-to-Head with Adalimumab in Rheumatoid Arthritis Study - Monthly Prescribing Reference (registration)

Janssenannounced results from the pivotal Phase 3 GO-VIBRANT study that showed the significant efficacy of the intravenously administered anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha therapy SIMPONI ARIA(golimumab) in the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis. In GO-VIBRANT, 75.1 percent of patients with active psoriatic arthritis receiving SIMPONI ARIA2 mg/kg achieved at least a 20 percent improvement in arthritis signs and symptoms as measured by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR20) at week 14, the studys primary endpoint, compared with 21.8 percent of patients receiving placebo (P< 0.001). SIMPONI ARIAalso showed significant improvement across all secondary endpoints evaluating improvements in skin symptoms, joint damage and health-related quality of life measures. Data from GO-VIBRANT are being presented for the first time at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017. SIMPONI ARIAis currentlyunder reviewby the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adults with active psoriatic arthritis and the treatment of adults with ankylosing spondylitis. SIMPONI ARIAis approved in the U.S. for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in combination with methotrexate.

Results from the GO-VIBRANT study showed that treatment with intravenous golimumab improved joint and skin symptoms in patients with active psoriatic arthritis, and inhibited the progression of structural damage, which are important treatment goals in the management of this progressive, inflammatory disease, said Arthur Kavanaugh, MD, Professor of Medicine, University of California San Diego, and Chair of the GO-VIBRANT steering committee. Intravenously administered golimumab could represent an important new anti-TNF-alpha therapy for rheumatologists to consider in the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis in the future. Treatment with SIMPONI ARIAat weeks 0 and 4 and every eight weeks thereafter resulted in statistically significant improvements in all secondary endpoints presented below (P< 0.001 for all measures).

At week 14

At week 24

Through week 24, 46.3 percent of SIMPONI ARIA-treated patients and 40.6 percent of placebo-treated patients reported at least one adverse event (AE). Serious AEs were reported by 2.9 percent of patients receiving SIMPONI ARIAvs. 3.3 percent for placebo. Two deaths and two malignancies were reported, all in the placebo group, and one demyelinating event occurred in the SIMPONI ARIAgroup. The most common treatment-emergent type of AE was infection, identified in 20.0 percent of SIMPONI ARIA-treated patients compared to 13.8 percent of placebo-treated patients. There was no opportunistic infection or tuberculosis through week 24. The rate of infusion reactions with SIMPONI ARIAwas less than 2 percent and none were serious or severe.

At Janssen, our commitment to rheumatology began more than two decades ago with discovery, development and approval of the first anti-TNF-alpha therapy, and since then, we have continued to build upon our portfolio of medicines for patients with immune-mediated diseases, said Newman Yeilding, M.D., Head of Immunology Development, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. Data from the GO-VIBRANT study demonstrated how SIMPONI ARIA, a product already helping people living with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis, may also help those living with psoriatic arthritis, pending its approval in the U.S.

Additional SIMPONI ARIAdata being presented at EULAR 2017 includes findings from the Phase 3 ankylosing spondylitis GO-ALIVE study:

Continued here:
New Phase 3 Data Shows Golimumab Significantly Improved Arthritis and Skin Manifestations in Patients with Active RA - Drug Discovery &...

The ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis markets are growing increasingly crowded, but Novartis now has something not all its rivals can boast: long-term data for its IL-17 med, Cosentyx.

Thursday at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology in Madrid, the Swiss drugmaker unveiled study results showing its contender could show sustained improvements in signs and symptoms of both maladies.

In one extension trial, at three years, 80% of ankylosing spondylitis patients taking Cosentyx hit the 20 mark on the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society response criteria scale.

And a new analysis of Novartis Future 2 study showed that by the two-year point, 28% of psoriatic arthritis patients treated with Cosentyxalmost all of whom had reported moderate-to-extreme pain or discomfort before starting on the drugfelt no pain or discomfort at all.

RELATED:Novartis extends lead on psoriasis rivals with a pair of new Cosentyx approvals

Its good news for Novartis, whose med is currently the only member of the IL-17 crowd to boast indications in ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. Knowing competition was on the way, the company worked to snag those a year after winning Cosentyx initial nod in psoriasis.

Since then, Novartis has been joined by Eli Lillys Taltz and Valeants Siliq, and development of other candidatessuch as Johnson & Johnsons guselkumabis underway. Lilly, for one, currently has Taltz in phase 3 as a treatment for axial spondyloarthritis, an umbrella that includes ankylosing spondylitis.

But its not only IL-17 products competing for a slice of the pie. Pfizer is developing its rheumatoid arthritis pill, Xeljanz, for psoriatic arthritis, and Celgene's psoriasis pill Otezla has a psoriatic arthritis nod, as well. On the ankylosing spondylitis front, J&Js Stelara could eventually challenge Cosentyx, research and consulting firm GlobalData has predicted.

Read this article:
Novartis' Cosentyx racks up more long-term data in psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis - FiercePharma

Johnson & Johnsons Innovation unit has unveiled another clutch of deals and collaborations with industry and academia, as it also shares its molecular library to help fight neglected diseases.

J&Js Innovation unit has more than 300 collaborative pacts to its nameand started the year with 15 more that focused on a biotech NASH deal with Bird Rock Bio, while also bumping up its work on malaria and penning another RNA deal with Synthetic Genomics.

RELATED: J&J in New Year deal mania, takes on NASH candidate with biotech buyout option

Six months down the line and timed to coincide at this years BIO Convention, its at it again, with its R&D unit Janssen inking a multiproject collab with the University of California San Diego School of Medicinefocused on fatty liver disease/obesity.

Plans are in place to work on finding pathways and mechanisms driving disease progression, as well as clinically useful biomarkers, targets and gastric bypass approaches, all of which is designed to find new therapies for NASH, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and other obesity-based conditions.

Projects under this collaboration will include exploration of animal and cell models of NASH and CKD, discovery of mechanisms invoked by bariatric surgery, disease-related biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets, J&J said in a statement.

Building on its blockbuster work in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and coming as a host of biosimilars line up to erode sales from older meds, Janssen Biotech has also formed a multiyear collaborationand prenegotiated option-to-license agreementwith Monash University to discover and develop next-gen biologics to treat, prevent and intercept RA. As is usual with these deals, dollar terms have not been disclosed.

And building on its work in malaria and other neglected diseases, Janssen has penned pacts aimed at speeding up the discovery of new treatments for tuberculosis, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, and other diseases prevalent in the developing world.

It will help by sharing selected parts of its molecular libraries with governmental biomedical research agenciessuch as the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health and academic centers such as Washington University in St. Louis, the University of California, Berkeley, and the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases at the University of California San Diego.

Through WIPO Re:Search, the international research consortium led by the nonprofit BIO Ventures for Global Health and the United Nations World Intellectual Property Organization, Janssen says it will open up segments of its molecule library, which hold a set of 80,000 chemical compounds, to these organizations to help seek out and push on with promising drug candidates.

By working collectively, the global health community can increase and accelerate the potential to achieve major research breakthroughs for the millions of people worldwide who suffer from these devastating diseases, said Wim Parys, M.D., head of R&D Global Public Health at Johnson & Johnson, in a release.Opening our compound libraries and providing our partners access to the research capabilities of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies underscores our commitment to accelerate the pace of innovation to broaden our reach and deepen our impact.

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Johnson & Johnson unveils new obesity, arthritis collaborations ... - FierceBiotech

Development of a drug to help those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis may prove to be quite a happy accident for aging individuals with hardening heart valves. Researchers from Vanderbilt University announced promising results in examining a monoclonal antibodys ability to combat aortic valve stenosis.

The results, published June 12 in Circulation, could be an important step toward fighting the condition that affects a quarter of Americans over the age of 65, who previously only had surgical replacement of valves as an option.

Very elderly patients bodies cant handle that, said first author Cyndi Clark, research assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Vanderbilt. I hope to see an earlier treatment option available within the next decade.

The drug, known as SYN0012, appeared to bind to cadherin-11 (CDH-11), a protein that causes the hardening of valve tissue.

The antibody we're working with blocks fibroblasts from becoming the active type that leads to disease. It keeps them from becoming inflamed, said W. David Merryman, associate professor of biomedical engineering at Vanderbilt. "We believe there is potential for using this drug at the first sign of valve disease to prevent the progression. You likely cannot reverse the damage, but we believe the drug can prevent it."

The drug is in human clinical trials for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. After those are complete, Merryman hopes to gain permission to run clinical trials for uses in heart valve disease. His work is funded by a $5.3 million award from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

More:
Arthritis drug shows promise in combatting protein that causes aortic valve stenosis - Cardiovascular Business

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The autoimmune condition is caused by the immune system attacking healthy body tissue.

However, researchers explored whether high body fat and large waist size were a risk factor.

In the study, presented this week to the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology 2017, they found no clear association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and being overweight or obese in men.

However, for women, being overweight or obese was linked to a higher likelihood of developing it.

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This conflicts with previous studies that found an association for both genders between rheumatoid arthritis and being overweight or obese.

This conflicts with previous studies that found an association for both genders.

Dr. Asta Linauskas, lead study author from University Hospital, Aarhus in Denmark, said: One possible explanation for these inconsistencies is that while BMI has been the preferred surrogate measure for being overweight in these studies, BMI only correlates modestly with total amount of body fat and does not accurately reflect fat distribution.

"Our results support an association between the risk of developing RA and three different criteria for being overweight or obese in women.

We believe RA should be included in the list of all the other medical conditions linked to obesity. It would certainly make sense for women with a family history of RA to try to avoid becoming overweight.

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In the study, they looked at 54,284 people - 52 per cent women - between the ages of 50 and 64 years at the time of recruitment between 1993 and 1997.

During a median follow up of 21 years, 283 women and 110 men developed RA.

The median time for onset of the condition was seven years.

In the data, a positive slope in women confirmed a direct relationship, but there was no such linear association in men.

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According to the NHS, other possible risk factors include genetics, hormones and smoking.

As well as joint pain, symptoms can include sweating, a poor appetite and weight loss.

The condition can be difficult to diagnose as many conditions cause joint stiffness and inflammation.

However, once diagnosed, treatment can be used to enable you still stay as active as possible.

Link:
Rheumatoid arthritis: Being overweight might NOT be a risk factor in ... - Express.co.uk

A new, non-invasive knee procedure could bring some relief for patients suffering from debilitating chronic pain, for whom surgery is not an option.

The treatment, recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, is called cooled radio frequency ablation and is a less drastic option for people with moderate to severe osteoarthritis pain who are not ready to have knee replacement surgery, or who have health conditions that dont make them a good candidate for surgery.

Marketed as "Coolief", the procedure uses radio frequency to target and mute the nerves responsible for sending pain signals from the arthritic knee to the brain. Coolief doesnt repair arthritis in the knee, but eases the pain, helping patients go back to activities without discomfort and fewer medications.

What we're changing is the wiring of the knee so we're taking away the pain signal and interrupting it," Dr. Amin Sandeep, a pain specialist at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago who performs the procedure, told NBC News.

One 2016 study compared Coolief to popular cortisone injections, with patients reporting greater, longer-lasting pain relief with the new treatment than injections. Coolief reduces pain for about to 6 to 12 months, depending on how fast the nerves in the knee regenerate.

Related: Common Knee Surgery May Not Help You

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint when the cartilage wears off over time, often striking big joints like the knee, causing pain, swelling and stiffness. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, nearly 10 million Americans had osteoarthritis of the knee in 2010.

The three current recommended approaches for knee arthritis pain are physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, or the opioid painkiller tramadol.

But those didn't help Felicia McCloden, a 65-year-old grandmother from outside of Chicago. The excruciating pain in her right knee made simple tasks like grocery shopping impossible.

I had inflammation, swelling, and my knee was like the size of a golf ball, McCloden told NBC News. "The arthritis was so bad that I could barely step down without severe pain.

Because she wasnt eligible for a knee replacement she tried cortisone injections, physical therapy, medications nothing relieved her pain.

"I thought I was going to limp for the rest of my life," she said.

Related: What Really Helps Knee Pain? The Answer May Surprise You

In May, McCloden underwent the Coolief treatment and the result was instant.

I couldn't even imagine first of all, not having the pain," she said. "It erased all of that.

The outpatient procedure typically takes about 40 minutes, is performed with local anesthesia and doesnt require an incision. Instead, doctors use specialized needles that emit radio frequencywaves into the knee. The cost of the treatment is between $2,000 and $4,000. Because it was just approved by the FDA in April, the treatment is not widely available yet, but pain centers across the country are beginning to offer it.

Some of the reported risks from the procedure include bleeding and infection. "Though patients have a risk of the physician hitting the wrong nerve, that is extremely rare in the hands of an experienced professional, Amin said.

Recovery time is minimal, with most patients walking immediately after the procedure and resuming normal activities in a day or two.

For some patients with structural problems of the knee, the procedure won't help, said pain specialist Dr. Edgar Ross, associate professor of anesthesia at Brigham and Womens Hospital.

"But lets say a patient is younger, instead of going for a total knee replacement early, which might have to be repeated later on, Coolief can postpone the need for the total knee replacement," Ross told NBC News.

Coolief can be repeated if necessary, but it's not a permanent solution. While it reduces pain, it can't stop the progression of osteoarthritis.

"While it can delay total knee replacement, knee replacement may still eventually be necessary in a big number of patients," said Dr. Dennis Cardone, associate professor of orthopedic surgery at NYU Langone Medical Center.

Link:
Cool' New Knee Procedure Eases Arthritis Pain Without Surgery - NBCNews.com

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It affects more than 690,000 people in the UK, of which over 500,000 are women and around three-quarters are of working age.

Experts believe the Mediterranean diet is effective in suppressing rheumatoid arthritis - but the elements responsible for this currently remain unknown.

Now researchers from Osaka City University in Japan, have set out to investigate what part of the diet - which constitutes oily fish, olive oil, fruit and vegetables - could help ease symptoms of the disease.

A study looked at 208 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 205 healthy volunteers from the same age group.

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Their food and nutrient intake was assessed using a questionnaire, a Mediterranean diet score was calculated and the prevalence of the disease in 28 joints was analysed.

Experts found the consumption of MUFA - monosaturated fatty acids, alcohol, pulses, vegetables, meat milk and dairy products were significantly lower among participants with RA.

The study authors said: Intake of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) was significantly lower in the RA, than in the control group (P=0.003) and the ratio of consumed monounsaturated to saturated fatty acid significantly differed within the RA group.

What are monosaturated fats?

Monounsaturated fats can help reduce levels of bad cholesterol in the blood - reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Examples of foods which are high in monounsaturated fats include olive oil, sesame oil, avocados, peanut butter and nuts and seeds.

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Daily MUFA intake, a component of the Mediterranean diet score, might suppress disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Experts have also revealed eating a diet high in monounsaturated fats can reduce belly fat and encourage weight loss.

The study concluded: Daily MUFA intake, a component of the Mediterranean diet score, might suppress disease activity in RA patients.

People with rheumatoid arthritis experience a range of symptoms, including pain and swelling in the joints, tiredness and depression which can affect their daily lives, from their ability to do basic everyday tasks like buttoning a shirt, to the possibility of having to stop work as a result of their condition.

The study was published in the journal Clinical Nutrition.

Experts, writing in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology last year said eating a Mediterranean diet with no limit on calories and plenty of olive oil is the best way to stay healthy.

Researchers said guidelines promoting low-fat, low-calorie diets had created an unnecessary fear of the fats present in food loved by the southern Europeans.

The study looked at more than 7,000 participants who were either given an unrestricted Mediterranean diet or a low-fat diet where the advice was to avoid all dietary fat.

On average, those in all groups lost some weight with the greatest loss seen in the group eating the Mediterranean diet with olive oil.

Dr Aseem Malhotra, cardiologist advisor to the National Obesity Forum, said: A high fat Mediterranean diet which I follow and tell my patients to not only doesnt lead to weight gain but is also the most protective dietary pattern against heart disease, cancer and dementia.

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Diet to cure arthritis: Eating THIS part of the Mediterranean diet could suppress symptoms - Express.co.uk

In the corner, a wrinkling woman turned her wrists and massaged her fingers. A few chairs away, a graying man rubbed his knees while sitting on his walker. Others hoisted themselves up by cane.

It was a full house Monday for San Joaquin Community Hospitals monthly lecture series that this week went over a topic Dr. Thomas Ferro said would most likely affect everybody if they live long enough: arthritis.

Its the No. 1 cause of disability, loss of wages, and pain and suffering in the United States, Ferro told the room of more than 150 mostly aging onlookers.

And it was no surprise why they were there. When Ferro asked how many experienced arthritic pain on a daily basis, most hands went up.

Many were so desperate for relief that they interjected throughout Ferros presentation to ask questions.

Whats the root cause of arthritis?

We dont really fully understand it, Ferro said, adding that it sometimes runs in the family. He compared older bodies to cars with 300,000 miles on them: they might look good, but probably have lots of issues, and letting them get that old without having some parts replaced is almost unheard of, albeit ideal.

What about exercise should those with arthritis stop altogether?

Moving the bones and keeping the muscles going is good, and low-impact aerobics are the hallmark of arthritis exercise.

It was the best-attended lecture San Joaquin Community Hospital has ever seen, said Administrative Director of Marketing and Communications Jimmy Phillips.

These are people with chronic and constant pain who want relief, Phillips said.

Public Health offers community-wide CPR training

Passersby might see lots of folks performing CPR along city sidewalks Wednesday, but it won't be because dozens of people were suddenly stricken with cardiac arrest.

It's simply a training exercise.

Kern County Department of Public Health Services is hosting a community-wide hands-only Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation event from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. right on city sidewalks.

The chest compressions, which don't include mouth-to-mouth breathing, focus on the first moments of a sudden cardiac arrest, allowing blood to flow to vital organs.

"By teaching community members hands-only CPR, victims of sudden cardiac arrest will be more likely to survive," said Dr. Kristopher Lyons, EMS medical director. "It only takes five minutes to learn this simple skill that can save a life."

Harold Pierce covers education and health for The Californian. He can be reached at 661-395-7404. Follow him on Twitter @RoldyPierce

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HEALTH ROUNDUP: Arthritis lecture at San Joaquin Community Hospital draws big crowds - The Bakersfield Californian

EVAN HARDING

Last updated17:39, June 13 2017

John Hawkins

Arthritis sufferer Thelma Buck, of Invercargill, is devasted a pain relief product has been blocked from entering New Zealand.

An Australian-made supplement which has given some arthritis sufferers in Southland a new lease on life has been blocked from entering the country, devastating users.

The liquid supplement, Arborvitae, is marketed as an arthritis pain reliever and health supplement across the Tasman.

Until recently it was being imported into New Zealand and onsoldto Kiwis by a Canterbury-based company, whileother New Zealanders were buying it online directly from Australia.

John Hawkins

Arborvitae, arthritis pain relief supplement, blocked from entering New Zealand.

However, the Ministry for Primary Industries says it poses a biosecurity risk and has banned it from entering the country.

Among the users of Arborvitaeare two Invercargill women who say the product has deadened their arthritic pain andallowed them to live a better quality of life.

However, they now fear the pain will return if they can no longer access the product.

A Ministry for PrimaryIndustriesspokesman saidArborvitaewas not allowed into New Zealand because it did not meet New Zealand's biosecurity requirements.

It contains a level of honey that is prohibited unless it has been heat-treated to ensure potential bugs are destroyed.

In order to clear biosecurity requirements, the product requires an official declaration stating the honey hasbeen heat treated.

"MPI has communicated this requirement to the importer," the MPI spokesman said.

"While we sympathise with those who wish to buy the product, we must apply New Zealand's biosecurity rules evenly because any exceptions could lead to incursions of bugs and pests."

Arthritis sufferer Thelma Buck, of Invercargill, said she was devastated the product was no longer allowed in the country.

She turned to the product when her GP said she should nolonger take pillsfor her arthritis because it affected her blood pressure.

The 72-year-old had been buying Arborvitaefor three months months off a Christchurch company that was importing it from Australia.

Buck said she had suffered from arthritic pain for 30 years and had tried many things to help ease the pain, but Arborvitae was the best.

Before she began taking Arborvitae, she used a walker to get around town and now she only needs a walking stick.

She can also sleep through the night, having previously being unable to sleep for the pain.

"Itabsolutely deadens the pain from arthritis. You don't feel the pain.

"Now I can walk around the house whereas I was thinking I might have to go into a home."

Buck's sister-in-law, Ray Riley, who also suffers from arthritis,said it had made a massive difference to her life.

She is in less pain than previously and can move around more than she could in the past.

"It's madea hellof a lot of difference."

Andrew Thorman, owner of Jet Trading Ltd in Christchurch which was importing Arborvitaefrom Australia for three months until a fortnight ago, said he had since received calls from upset Kiwi customers unable to buy it.

"It's had huge success in Australia and I am trying to make it available in New Zealand so people can reap its benefits."

He sells a number of products but Arborvitae was a "standout as far as making a noticeable difference very quickly to people's lives".

Vic Davidson, the Australian businessman who "invented" the Arborvitaesupplement, said it waslisted with the TGA in Australiaas a "complementary medicine", which was a medicine that did not contain drugs.

The TGA [Therapeutic Goods Administration] regulates therapeutic goods in Australia.

"We sell 3000 to 4000 bottles a week in Australia, it's in a lot of chemist shops.

He was trying to get the issue resolved so it could be sold in New Zealand.

Former Canterbury Bankstown rugby league player Graeme Hughes haspublicly endorsed the product online.

-The Southland Times

Excerpt from:
Arthritis sufferers devastated pain reliever not allowed in NZ - Stuff.co.nz

Kansas City Star

Watch: Chiefs' Charcandrick West sings to raise awareness for childhood arthritis Kansas City Star Chiefs' running back Charcandrick West has a busy summer ahead as he battles for positioning on the depth chart. But West, who was diagnosed with arthritis at 14 years old, realizes life goes beyond football. So before organized team activities began ...

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Watch: Chiefs' Charcandrick West sings to raise awareness for childhood arthritis - Kansas City Star

BBC News

Arthritis sufferers 'waiting longer' in Wales, figures show BBC News More needs to be done to help people in Wales living with rheumatoid arthritis, an expert has said. New figures suggest an increase in the number of people sent to see a specialist because of pain. Nearly half a million people live with the illness in ... and more »

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Arthritis sufferers 'waiting longer' in Wales, figures show - BBC News

June 12, 2017 David Merryman, associate professor of biomedical engineering, and his team discovered that a rheumatoid arthritis drug holds promise for treating heart valve calcification. Credit: Vanderbilt University

The first drug to treat calcification of heart valves may be one originally designed for rheumatoid arthritis.

Today (June 12) in Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association, Vanderbilt University researchers published findings that the druga monoclonal antibody known as SYN0012shows promise in keeping heart valve leaflets supple. About a quarter of Americans suffer hardening of the valves by age 65 and about half by 85, and the only treatment is surgical replacement.

"Very elderly patients' bodies can't handle that," said Cyndi Clark, research assistant professor of biomedical engineering and the first author on the paper. "I hope to see an earlier treatment option available within the next decade."

The culprit in the condition, called aortic valve stenosis, is cadherin-11, a binding protein necessary for normal wound healing. Fibroblasts, the most common cell in connective tissue, produce it to ensure cuts and broken bones reconnect, and heart valves are composed of this type of cell. As hearts age and lose elasticity, the fibroblasts become overactive, producing mass amounts of cadherin-11 until the three thin leaflets that make up aortic valves become virtually immobile. The heart pumps harder in an attempt to push blood through the valve, causing the chambers of the heart to enlarge, leading to heart failure if the valve isn't replaced.

The rheumatoid arthritis drug, an anti-inflammatory, physically binds to cadherin-11 (CDH-11) on the surface of cells so that they can't bind together.

"Aortic valve stenosis, even though it involves only a little piece of tissue, has a catastrophic effect on the heart," said W. David Merryman, associate professor of biomedical engineering. "The antibody we're working with blocks fibroblasts from becoming the active type that leads to disease. It keeps them from becoming inflamed.

"We believe there is potential for using this drug at the first sign of valve disease to prevent the progression. You likely cannot reverse the damage, but we believe the drug can prevent it."

Common disease claims lives

About 750,000 Americans per year suffer heart attacks, and those plus all other varieties of heart disease are the No. 1 killers in America. Surgeons can replace damaged valves with ones made from either pig or cow tissue or with mechanical versions, said Vanderbilt cardiologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine Mike Baker. Physicians' only option is to monitor calcifying valves once they're detected and then operate when symptoms appear, he said.

"Once the patient becomes symptomatic, they start running a significant risk of heart failure or even death," Baker said. "The exciting thing about this drug's potential is that it could allow us to consider a strategy of prevention, as we do with other forms of heart diseaselike lowering cholesterol or using ACE inhibitors. We don't have any interventions for aortic valve stenosis that slow its progression."

The drug is in human clinical trials for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. After those are complete, Merryman hopes to gain permission to run clinical trials for uses in heart valve disease.

Fluke leads to potential cure

Merryman's research into CDH-11 dates back to 2013, when two of his Ph.D. students compared two studies of heart valve cellular responses that came to completely different conclusions. One found that a chemical compound caused valve fibroblasts to become active, similar to what is observed during valve disease, but the other study indicated that the same compound prevented the cells from calcifying, indicating that a key piece of the valve disease puzzle was missing. They realized that the teams behind those studies were inadvertently turning CDH-11 production on and off, affecting the outcome.

The Ph.D. students obtained heart valves preserved from surgeries at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and found that patients suffering from calcification had, in some cases, 50 times as much CDH-11 present in their valves as patients without the condition. They completed another study that showed a NOTCH1 genetic mutation likely ensured those carrying it eventually would suffer from heart valve disease because it leads to CDH-11 overproduction.

Explore further: Discovery of a key regulatory gene in cardiac valve formation

More information: Circulation (2017). DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.117.027771

Journal reference: Circulation

Provided by: Vanderbilt University

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Drug developed for arthritis could be first to stop heart valve calcification - Medical Xpress

Dear Doctor: A friend suggested I try MSM crystals for arthritis. What are they, and do they work? If they do, where can I find them?

Dear Reader: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic sulfur-containing compound naturally found in plants such as Brussels sprouts, garlic, asparagus, kale, beans and wheat germ. It can also be found in horsetail, an herbal remedy. MSM, which has been touted as a treatment for arthritis, is related to a similar compound, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. MSM may have anti-inflammatory properties as well, but different from those associated with aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). Unlike DMSO, which is a liquid applied at room temperature, MSM is a white crystalline compound -- hence the reference to "crystals."

As for whether it works, let's look at the evidence. A 2011 study performed in Israel assessed its impact on 50 people with arthritis of the knee. Twenty-five patients took a placebo, while 25 took 1.125 grams of MSM three times per day for 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, symptoms had worsened by 14 percent in the placebo group, but had improved by 20 percent in the MSM group. Pain had increased by 9 percent in the placebo group, but had decreased by 21 percent in the MSM group. Note that in this 12-week study, users noted no side effects.

A 2006 study also assessed MSM's impact on people with arthritis of the knee, with 25 people receiving a placebo and the other 25 receiving a 3-gram dose of MSM twice a day. At 12 weeks, pain had decreased by 25 percent in the MSM group, and by 13 percent in the placebo group. The physical function of the knee also improved with the use of MSM, but stiffness improved only slightly as compared to the placebo. This higher dose of MSM was associated with the mild side effects of bloating and constipation. One interesting note: The study authors found no change in inflammatory markers with MSM.

Lastly, a 2004 study from India compared the use of MSM, the use of glucosamine, the use of a combination and the use of a placebo for arthritis of the knee. After 12 weeks, patients who took 500 milligrams of MSM three times a day reported a significant reduction in pain and swelling of the knee. This was also seen in the group who took glucosamine. Those who took the combination of both MSM and glucosamine reported an additive benefit in regard to pain and swelling.

Granted, these are small studies, but they do show a slight benefit from MSM, but even milder than from Tylenol or NSAIDs. In these studies, the medication was used every day for 12 weeks, so I would assume that you would have to take MSM daily for a long period to see the benefit.

Excerpt from:
Organic compound MSM could help with arthritis pain | | thetandd.com - The Times and Democrat