Autoimmune Diseases

Voclosporin (Lupkynis; Aurinia Pharmaceuticals) is indicated in combination with a background immunosuppressive therapy for the treatment of active lupus nephritis in adults.

Here are some of the top-read FDA approvals covered by Drug Topics® from this year.

Prefilled syringes have been the way that many children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis get their methotrexate. A pilot study examines if prefilled pens might be a better option.

Pharmacists can play an integral role in educating patients about nutrition and lifestyle factors.

Results of 2 recent studies suggested a higher risk of developing osteoporosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

An overview of the use of satralizumab-mwge (Enspryng; Genentech) in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).

Two lots of the thyroid tablets are being recalled after testing found the lots to be subpotent.

Higher cumulative exposure to systemic antibiotic therapy may be associated with a greater risk of new-onset inflammatory bowel disease.

Pharmacists can play an important role in educating patients about autoimmune drugs to prevent medication errors.

Levodopa/carbidopa is currently the gold standard for controlling motor symptoms associated with Parkinson disease.

Ofatumumab (Kesimpta; Novartis) is the first and only self-administered, targeted B-cell therapy for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis.

The therapy received fast track designation and was approved in just over 1 year.

A Kawasaki-like inflammatory disease has affected children who have coronavirus disease 2019.

The data from a new study has shown that investigational, long-acting injectable cabotegravir boasted a 66% higher efficacy than daily oral pills in preventing HIV-1.

A new study found increased plaque buildup levels in women with HIV who also suffered from persistent depression and stress.

In studies presented this month at the European E-Congress of Rheumatology 2020, investigators revealed positive findings for the infliximab biosimilar CT-P13 (Inflectra, Remsima), which is developed by Celltrion of Incheon, Republic of Korea.

A recent analysis showed a surge in prescription fills for hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine, likely due to off-label prescribing for coronavirus disease 2019. 

Ixekizumab (Taltz, Eli Lilly) is the first interleukin-17A antagonist to be approved for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.

Bristol Myers Squibb announced the commercial US launch of ozanimod (Zeposia) for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.

Filgotinib achieved all primary end points of the phase 2b/3 study in patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis.

Dupilumab (Dupixent, Sanofi and Regeneron) is the first biologic medicine approved for treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

Apremilast (Otezla, Amgen) significantly improved psoriasis symptoms compared with a placebo in adults with mild-to-moderate disease.

Rituximab-abbs (Truxima) is the only biosimilar to the reference product rituximab (Rituxan). 

Six-year data from the new analyses add evidence to the benefit-risk profile of ocrelizumab (Ocrevus, Genentech) for patients with multiple sclerosis. 

Depending on the situation, individuals with IBD who develop COVID-19 may want to alter their medication.