EXPERT INTERVIEW - Emerging novel biologic agents for inflammatory joint diseases - role in clinical practice

[Guest guest]

From Medscape Rheumatology

More: American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2008 Annual Scientific Meeting

Emerging Novel Biologic Agents for Inflammatory Joint Diseases -- Role

in Clinical Practice: An Expert Interview With Philip J. Mease, MD

Helen Fosam, PhD

Editor's Note:

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the pathologic basis of

rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is chronic

inflammation, driven by a complex cascade involving T cells, B cells,

antigen-presenting cells, and costimulation signals that lead to the

production of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis

factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukins, and other mediators. Therapy has

therefore evolved from an eminently immunosuppressive approach to a

more targeted one. Evidence has accumulated over the past decade

supporting the safety and efficacy of TNF inhibitors, the first

biologic agents for RA. Their superiority in combination with

methotrexate over methotrexate monotherapy was demonstrated in

landmark studies, including the PREMIER,[1] Trial of Etanercept and

Methotrexate with Radiographic Patient Outcomes (TEMPO),[2,3] and

Active Controlled Study of Patients Receiving Infliximab for the

Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis of Early Onset (ASPIRE) trials.[4,5]

With improved understanding of RA pathophysiology and limitations of

currently US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved biologic

agents, new compounds are in development. In this interview, Helen

Fosam, PhD, Medscape Rheumatology, spoke with Philip J. Mease, MD,

Chief of Rheumatology Research, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle,

Washington, and Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of

Washington, Seattle, about the data presented at the American College

of Rheumatology (ACR) 2008 Annual Scientific Meeting, supporting the

efficacy and safety of current and emerging biologic agents for RA.

******************************

Read the entire interview here:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/584250

Not an MD