Posts by: Marisa Wexler MS

Marisa Wexler MS

Marisa holds an MS in Cellular and Molecular Pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. She specializes in cancer biology, immunology, and genetics. Marisa began working with BioNews in 2018, and has written about science and health for SelfHacked and the Genetics Society of America. She also writes/composes musicals and coaches the University of Pittsburgh fencing club.

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021

IL-17A Inhibitors Appear Effective in Treating AS, But Safety Needs Further Study

News

Medications that block the activity of the pro-inflammatory molecule interleukin-17A (IL-17A) can ease symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), but further research is needed to evaluate their safety, according to an ... Read more

February 1, 2021February 1, 2021

Rinvoq Approved in EU for Two Types of Active Arthritis

News

AbbVie‘s Rinvoq (upadacitinib) has been approved in the European Union to treat active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adults who have responded inadequately to conventional therapy. The European Commission also approved ... Read more

January 18, 2021January 18, 2021

FDA Approves Generic Version of Celebrex

News

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a generic version of Pfizer‘s Celebrex (celecoxib), an oral medication used to treat inflammation and pain caused by ankylosing spondylitis and ... Read more

December 21, 2020December 21, 2020

Sex Differences Found in nr-axSpA Disease Severity, Treatment Response

News

Among people with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) — a type of arthritis that mainly affects the joints of the spine — women tend to have more severe disease than men ... Read more

November 16, 2020November 16, 2020

Clinical Trial Data Show Durable Efficacy of Cimzia, Bimekizumab

News

Treatment with Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) can ease eye inflammation in people with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and reduce symptoms in those with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA), new clinical trial data show. ... Read more

November 9, 2020November 9, 2020

Xeljanz Eases AS Symptoms in Phase 3 Trial

News

Treatment with Xeljanz (tofacitinib) was found to significantly ease symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in a Phase 3 clinical trial. The results are being presented today at ACR Convergence 2020, ... Read more

November 5, 2020November 6, 2020

NORD Hosting ‘RareLaunch’ Workshops to Help Start Rare Disease Non-profits

News, syndicated

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)’s RareLaunch training program will host two days of free virtual workshops in December, with the aim of empowering leaders to start non-profit organizations ... Read more

October 26, 2020October 26, 2020

Humira Boosts Work Productivity, Lessens Sleep Problems in AS, Study Finds

News

Treatment with Humira (adalimumab) increases work productivity, reduces sleep problems, and eases disease activity in people with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and related diseases, a new real-world study indicates. The study, ... Read more

October 21, 2020October 21, 2020

Telehealth ‘Helpful’ Alternative to In-person Care, Rare Disease Patients Say

News, syndicated

A majority of rare disease patients using telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic thought the experience positive, and many would like the option of continuing its use in future appointments, a series ... Read more

October 12, 2020October 12, 2020

AS Pain Linked With Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Study Finds

News

People with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) often endure considerable psychological distress — including depression, anxiety, and stress — that is related to their experience of pain, a study shows. These findings ... Read more