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 analysis. These findings were in the study “Efficacy and safety of interleukin-17A inhibitors in patients with ankylosing…

People with rare disorders have a worse healthcare experience than those affected by chronic diseases, according to the results of an international survey conducted by Eurordis-Rare Diseases Europe. Indeed, rare disease patients overall give their healthcare experience a medium-low rating, of 2.5 on a scale of 1 to 5,…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the start of a Phase 2 trial of izokibep in people with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), according to the therapy’s developers Affibody AB and Inmagene Biopharmaceuticals. “Obtaining FDA IND [investigational new drug] clearance is an important milestone for the izokibep…

Scores of virtual events are afoot around the world to mark Rare Disease Day 2021 on Feb. 28. The activities are focused on heightening awareness about rare diseases and the hundreds of millions of individuals they are thought to affect. Patients, caregivers, and advocates worldwide will sport denim ribbons…

People with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) who had higher pain sensitivity were more likely to have worse clinical outcomes, according to a study that found chronic pain to be common in these patients. The study, “Chronic pain and assessment of pain sensitivity in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: Results…

While progress was made last year on newborn screening and other policy issues critical to rare disease patients, a “State Report Card” argues that many concerns — notably out-of-pocket costs for prescription medicines and access to affordable comprehensive care — still need attention. Those were the findings of the…

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 Rinvoq to treat active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults who have not responded to, or are…

The two COVID-19 vaccines that recently received emergency approval from the U.S. and other worldwide regulatory agencies are expected to pose little risk to the rare disease community, including to patients with compromised immune systems or those participating in gene therapy studies. That was the message of a recent…

Treatment with Humira (adalimumab) over six months significantly reduced symptoms and improved physical function, quality of life, and work productivity in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients, a Chinese study finds. The study, “…

Caring for a loved one with a rare disease, especially during these uncertain times, demands significant time, attention, patience, and dedication. To help meet that need, the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)’s Rare Caregiver Respite Program may be a helpful resource. The program seeks to give a…