Author Archives: Ashraf Malhas, PhD

Pilot Study to Evaluate Cosentyx in Bone Health of AS Patients

A pilot study will investigate how Cosentyx (secukinumab), which has been approved for some autoimmune disorders, affects bone health in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The upcoming study — titled “The Effects of Secukinumab on Bone Health and Metabolism” — is currently recruiting and will look at the effects of Cosentyx…

Humira Biosimilar Receives Positive Recommendation from European Medicines Agency Committee

The European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended the approval of Hulio, a biosimilar to Humira, for the treatment of a number of chronic inflammatory diseases including ankylosing spondylitis. A final decision by the European Commission is expected in October. If approved, the agency would grant marketing authorization…

Secukinumab Treatment Linked to Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms in Some Cases

Ankylosing spondylitis patients receiving secukinumab should be monitored and switched to other options if they begin to develop digestive symptoms, a study suggests. Secukinumab (trade name Cosentyx) is a human anti-interleukin-17 monoclonal antibody that inhibits interleukin 17A, a molecule produced mainly by inflammatory cells of the immune system that promotes inflammation. The U.S. Food and Drug…

Anterior Uveitis Increases Risk of Developing Ankylosing Spondylitis, Study Finds

The risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis is significantly higher following past episodes of anterior uveitis, a type of eye inflammation, according to researchers. This finding emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis and management of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The study, “Recurrent anterior uveitis and subsequent incidence of ankylosing…