Author Archives: Marisa Wexler MS

Eli Lilly‘s Taltz (ixekizumab) has been approved in the U.S. to treat non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) in people who have objective signs of inflammation. “This approval reflects Lilly’s continued growth and commitment to supporting rheumatologists and people with autoimmune conditions, including nr-axSpA,” Patrik Jonsson, senior vice president…

Both treatment with Humira (adalimumab) and smoking can alter the composition of the gut microbiome — the microorganisms living in the gut — in people with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a new study shows. Results also revealed that nonsmokers showed greater reductions in disease activity than smokers upon starting Humira. The…

Elevated levels of a protein produced in both bones and the gut, known as lipocalin 2 (LCN2), could explain the overlap between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a new study suggests. Its researchers also suggested that therapies aimed at lowering LCN2 levels may help…

Use of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) inhibitors is linked to a higher risk of inflammatory disorders affecting the nervous system among people with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a long-term study based on nationwide data from Sweden and Denmark suggests. Specifically, the potential of greater…

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) is recommending the approval of Cosentyx (secukinumab) for the treatment of adults with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA). Recommendations from CHMP, part of the European Medicines Agency, are typically accepted by the European…

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended the approval of Nepexto, a biosimilar of Enbrel (etanercept), for the treatment of various inflammatory disorders including ankylosing spondylitis. CHMP is an arm of the European Medicines Agency. and the European Commission generally accepts opinions released…

Health Canada approved Taltz (ixekizumab) for the treatment of adults with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who have responded poorly to or are unable to tolerate conventional therapies. Eli Lilly‘s Taltz is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that works by blocking the activity of interleukin-17A, a…

Variations in the LTA gene can alter a person’s risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a new study suggests. The study, “Associations of lymphotoxin-a (LTA) rs909253 A/G gene polymorphism, plasma level and risk of ankylosing spondylitis in a Chinese Han population,” was published in the journal…

Health Canada has approved Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) for the treatment of adults with severe active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA). The medication is used to treat nr-axSpA patients with evidence of active inflammation, as indicated by magnetic resonance imaging and/or levels of the blood marker C-reactive…

Mabpharm has filed an application with China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) seeking approval of a biobetter of infliximab, a biological treatment for people with ankylosing spondylitis and other inflammatory disorders. Sorrento Therapeutics, the company owning global rights to the biobetter antibody outside of China,…