News

FDA Approves Taltz for Non-radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis

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…

Unity and EU-wide Efforts Focus of Online Rare Disease Meeting

Eurordis, a Paris-based coalition of national rare disease associations across Europe, hosted its first all-virtual conference, bringing some 1,500 delegates from 57 countries together online during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 10th European Conference on Rare Diseases & Orphan Products (ECRD2020) — which was set for May 14–15 in…

RBP4 Protein Levels May Predict Responses to Humira in AS

Lower blood levels of retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) — a protein associated with inflammation, among other processes — in people with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are associated with better treatment responses to Humira (adalimumab), a study shows. These findings suggest that RBP4 may be used as a biomarker to…

Humira, Smoking Can Alter Gut Microbiome in AS, Study Finds

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…