Mineral Oil Contamination In Humans: A Health Problem? Nov 25, 2008
Mineral Oil Contamination In Humans: A Health Problem. Mineral Oil Contamination In Humans: A Health Problem. (Science Daily)
Victory for arthritis patients as Nice to review restrictions on drugs Nov 25, 2008
Guidance on the use of three drugs that combat the debilitating effects of rheumatoid arthritis said patients cannot switch to a different medicine in the group if the first did not work for them ... The decision to review the evidence comes after an appeal which included a petition from 2,000 members of the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, drugs companies and other patient groups ... Ailsa Bosworth, Chief Executive of the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, said: "We are delighted that... (Telegraph.co.uk)
Uncertainty over 'risky' rescue plan Nov 24, 2008
The Mail welcomes the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's decision to reconsider restricting access to rheumatoid arthritis drugs. The paper reports as many as 40,000 sufferers take the treatment anti-TNFs to reduce inflammation in the joints. (BBC News -- UK)
Obese flyers have right to 2 seats in Canada... Nov 24, 2008
"This means I'm equal now," said Joanne Neubauer, a Victoria woman whose severe rheumatoid arthritis requires her to use a wheelchair. "I'm just so excited and happy that justice prevailed.". (The Drudge Report)
Change to GP dispensing opposed Nov 23, 2008
He has rheumatoid arthritis and cares for his wife, who has Alzheimer's disease, full time. He said: "We live three miles from the GP practice, the chemists is a further half a mile away on a very steep hill where parking is almost impossible. "I can't be away from home for long, or I need to organise specialist care for my wife. (BBC News -- UK)
Frances Lee Tinsley (10) Nov 23, 2008
While surrounded by Hospice angels and her loving daughter, Frances died peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008, after a long and brave battle with rheumatoid arthritis. A beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, she will be missed dearly by all. (Boerne Star, TX)
Melatonin may save eyesight in inflammatory disease Nov 23, 2008
Untreated, uveitis can lead to permanent vision loss, accounting for an estimated 10-15% of cases of blindness in the US. Uveitis has a wide variety of causes, including eye injury, cancer, infection, and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. There is currently no optimal treatment for uveitis. (EurekAlert!)
Vitamin E Won't Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis Nov 22, 2008
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Taking vitamin E supplements does not reduce a woman's risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an analysis of data from the Women's Health Study indicates. "Despite plausible biologic mechanisms," the present randomized, controlled trial does not show that long-term use of vitamin E supplements significantly decreases the risk of developing RA, Dr. Elizabeth W. Karlson and co-researchers conclude. (MEDLINEplus)
Air Canada Can't Make Disabled or Obese People Buy Extra Seat, Court Rules Nov 21, 2008
Today's decision ends a six-year-old legal dispute that began in August 2002 when the council sued on behalf of Joanne Neubauer of Victoria, British Columbia, who needed a wheelchair because of severe rheumatoid arthritis, and Eric Norman of Gander, Newfoundland, a paraplegic who died in 2006. The case was on hold for 18 months in 2003 and 2004 as Air Canada restructured operations while in bankruptcy protection. (Bloomberg -- Canada)
Amgen, Takeda and Millennium Provide Update on Phase 3 Trial of Motesanib in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Nov 20, 2008
Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, and other serious illnesses. With a deep and broad pipeline of potential new medicines, Amgen remains committed to advancing science to dramatically improve people's lives. (PR Newswire)
Glenmark generics unit launches azathioprine in US Nov 20, 2008
It is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, Glenmark said in a statement. Imuran had sales of about $36 million for the 12 months to June 2008, the company added. (Reuters India)
Martha Wilkinson Woods Nov 19, 2008
The family wishes to thank the friends who supported Martha with their many acts of loving kindness during her struggle with rheumatoid arthritis. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and sister who will be lovingly remembered by her family. (Yanceyville Caswell Messenger, NC)
Neb. senators to begin first-round debate on safe-haven law Nov 18, 2008
His mother postponed surgery after surgery needed for the rheumatoid arthritis she d had since childhood, searching for help for the children, which she never found. It s really upsetting to know that a law like this with no age limit could have helped my family, he said. (Sioux City Journal)
MS drug's predicted sales are lowered Nov 18, 2008
Biogen Idec is continuing its safety review of Tysabri by looking at patients who took the drug in trials for Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. It says it will submit a plan to the FDA this fall for returning the drug to the market, including a suggestion for a revised warning label for Tysabri. (Yahoo News -- Multiple Sclerosis)
Man jailed for having sex with wheelchair bound mother Nov 16, 2008
The woman - who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and has been dependent on a wheelchair for the past seven years - told her doctor about the incident the following day during a regular check-up and the man was arrested. He pleaded guilty to two counts of having sex with a person knowing that the person was his mother. (The Age, Australia)
Biogen Idec issues Avonex warning Nov 15, 2008
" She said the interest in liver complications was a current concern of the FDA.FDA officials could not be reached.Biogen Idec has been hard-hit since the company said Feb. 28 it was pulling Tysabri off the market and halting clinical trials involving the drug. Two patients taking Tysabri in combination with Avonex came down with a rare, often fatal brain disease most often seen in patients with compromised immune systems, such as those with AIDS. One patient has died.The company and its partner... (Yahoo News -- Multiple Sclerosis)
Janet L. Balkmon (1943-2008) (1) Nov 14, 2008
She worked at Chamberlain Manufacturing Co. until she was disabled with rheumatoid arthritis. She attended Antioch Baptist Church and later studied with Jehovahs Witnesses. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Past Gains In Reducing Risk Of Heart Disease Have Flattened, Women Especially Affected Nov 14, 2008
11, 2007) People with rheumatoid arthritis have a higher risk for developing heart disease than the general population; however, it is difficult to identify which patients are at increased risk. Researchers. (Science Daily)
UAB wins $2M grant to study immune system Nov 14, 2008
The study is designed to guide medical professionals, drug manufacturers, the Food and Drug Administration and the Agency for Healthcare and Quality on the risks and benefits of the drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn s disease and psoriasis. Data for the study will come from 100,000 biologics patients used between 1998 and 2007, according to the news release. (Birmingham Business Journal, AL)
Rheumatoid Arthritis Breakthrough Nov 13, 2008
12, 2008) Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful, inflammatory type of arthritis that occurs when the body's immune system attacks itself. A new article reports a breakthrough in the understanding of how autoimmune responses can be controlled, offering a promising new strategy for therapy development for rheumatoid arthritis. (Science Daily)
Brainstorm at Roche Spurs Pursuit of Valium-Like Approach to New Therapies Nov 13, 2008
The company and plans to explore rheumatoid arthritis and obesity, among other ills ... Pfizer used the approach to develop its Selzentry HIV treatment and also wants to market the drug for rheumatoid arthritis. (Bloomberg)
When families take care of their own Nov 13, 2008
Mrs. R s task was complicated by the fact that she herself was neither young nor very healthy; she suffered from severe rheumatoid arthritis and other health problems and had to keep track of a slew of medications for herself as well as for her husband. The goal of the nursing journal supplement was to alert nurses and social workers to the challenges faced by family caregivers and encourage health professionals to provide needed support to be partners in home care. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Differences between CFS/ME and FM Nov 12, 2008
g. lupus and rheumatoid arthritis), but there is no convincing evidence of an autoimmune origin. Most medications used in autoimmune diseases are useless, except for low dose naltrexone. (Suite101.com)
The Binding Site Announces Trading Update for Year Ended September 30th 2008 Nov 11, 2008
" Notes to Editors: About The Binding Site The Binding Site Ltd. is a British based company specialising in the research, development and production of immunodiagnostic kits and reagents. The Binding Site manufactures a wide range of high quality and innovative products used in clinical laboratories world-wide. The business is divided into three main areas:- Freelite(TM), a novel and highly significant assay increasingly used for the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma (MM), a cancer of... (PR Newswire)
Taking a chance Nov 10, 2008
When Daniela Muallem was first diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis ten years ago conventional treatments were of limited help. She was left exhausted and immobile for periods. (BBC News -- Health)
Research Reignites Debate Over Vitamin D Guidelines Nov 10, 2008
Studies have also found vitamin D could possibly protect against heart disease, breast cancer, colon cancer, auto-immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, infectious diseases such as the flu and even mental illnesses, including schizophrenia and depression. Harvards Mens Health Journal came out this week stating that vitamin D is one of nine inventions that can save your life. (Click2Houston, TX)
The Health Benefits of Papaya Nov 7, 2008
Other studies have shown it can also reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis by 41 percent. Researchers believe the anti-cancer effect is not only linked to the antioxidant properties of beta-cryptoxanthin, but also to a specific expression of a gene that protects cells from becoming cancerous. (Suite101.com)
Famous French Artist's Genetic Disorder Sheds Light On Enzyme's Role In Bone Metabolism Nov 7, 2008
6, 2008) Pycnodysostosis, a condition from which the painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec suffered, is a genetic disease characterized by short stature. This rare disease, surprisingly, provides a window into how joints are destroyed by arthritis. (Science Daily)
Key Gene May Be Crucial To Production Of Thymus And Disease-fighting T-cells Nov 7, 2008
Then the rates of things like rheumatoid arthritis and cancer go up substantially. And, as we all know, older people get sick more often. (Science Daily)
New Therapeutic Target Identified For Rheumatoid Arthritis Nov 7, 2008
6, 2008) Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery have identified a potential new therapeutic target that could be used to treat inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis ... Specifically, the study reveals that two molecular pathways, the Notch and Toll-like receptor pathways, are linked and that manipulating a protein called RBP-J involved in both pathways, could serve as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis ... When molecules dock on the Toll-like receptors of macrophages,... (Science Daily)
Biologists Spy On The Secret Inner Life Of A Cell Nov 5, 2008
23, 2007) Autoimmune diseases such as type I diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis are caused by the immune system attacking the body's own tissues. Determining the factors that trigger the immune system to attack. (Science Daily)
Wide variability in rheumatoid arthritis drug suggests alternative dosing should be considered Nov 5, 2008
Methotrexate (MTX) is commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is suggested as the "anchor" drug in treating the disease. Despite its widespread use, the understanding of its mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics is limited. (EurekAlert!)
Medicaid policies vary widely for rheumatoid arthritis drugs Nov 5, 2008
Patients with inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis now have many more treatment options than in the past, including biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These drugs, derived by modifying substances found in humans or animals, slow progression of the disease rather than simply treating the symptoms. (EurekAlert!)
First International Guidelines For Treatment Of Psoriatic Arthritis Developed Nov 4, 2008
Psoriatic arthritis is an oft-forgotten cousin to its better known counterparts, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors estimate that somewhere between 500,000 to 1 million people in the United States have psoriatic arthritis. (Science Daily)
Adeona Pharmaceuticals to Present At Rodman & Renshaw Healthcare Conference Nov 4, 2008
Adeona is focused on treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA), dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and fibromyalgia. For further information, please visit. (Primezone Releases)
Arthritis Drug Unlikely to Slow Spinal Arthritis Nov 4, 2008
A possible explanation for the lack of an effect on progression, the researchers suggest, is that bone formation is the hallmark of ankylosing spondylitis, rather the proinflammatory action of TNF in predominantly destructive diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. "On the other hand," concluded van der Heijde, "it is still very useful to prescribe TNF-blockers to patients with ankylosing spondylitis as these drugs have a major positive effect on signs and symptoms, physical function, and quality of... (MEDLINEplus)
No place like home for staying healthy Nov 3, 2008
Today, Belden, who pets Coco with hands gnarled from years of battling rheumatoid arthritis, has a bandage on her left arm, and Baxter quickly takes notice. "What happened here, Ellen?" Baxter inquires, while reaching into her blue medical bag for a stethoscope. (Boston Globe)
Rigel Announces Third Quarter 2008 Financial Results and Clinical Update Nov 3, 2008
The increase in clinical development expenses was mainly due to the costs associated with the ongoing Phase 2b clinical trials of R788 in rheumatoid arthritis (TASKi2 and TASKi3) ... "Data from our Phase 2a clinical trial of R788 in rheumatoid arthritis was recently presented by the principal investigator at the plenary session of the American College of Rheumatology," said James M. Gower, chairman and chief executive officer of Rigel ... Clinical Update R788 Rigel expects that R788 for... (PR Newswire)
Well fight them on the benches, say noisy pensioners Nov 3, 2008
We ll fight them on the benches, say noisy pensioners - Times Online (Times Online)
New Study Shows that PEGASYS(R) Regimen Provides Higher Sustained Virological Response Rates for Hepatitis C Patients Nov 2, 2008
Serious adverse events in hepatitis C trials included neuropsychiatric disorders (homicidal ideation, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, suicide, psychotic disorder and hallucinations), serious and severe bacterial infections (sepsis), bone marrow toxicity (cytopenia and rarely, aplastic anemia), cardiovascular disorders (hypertension, supraventricular arrhythmias and myocardial infarction), hypersensitivity (including anaphylaxis), endocrine disorders (including thyroid disorders and diabetes... (PR Newswire)
Having a Mother with Osteoporosis Can Lead to Increased Risk for Spinal Fracture Nov 2, 2008
These risk factors include a previous fracture, a parent who has had a hip fracture, smoking, taking steroid medications, drinking three or more glasses of alcohol daily and suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or from a disorder strongly associated with osteoporosis. Less was known about osteoporosis years ago when Turner's mother was prescribed pain pills and bed rest to manage her osteoporosis-related spinal fractures. (Pekin Times, IL)
Aches and pains: Coping with arthritis Nov 2, 2008
Inflammatory arthritis is a disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or Lupus, requiring frequent and aggressive treatment by a rheumatologist. Post-traumatic arthritis results from direct injury to a joint. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Rigel to Host Update Conference Call Nov 1, 2008
Rigel has product development programs in inflammatory/autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, thrombocytopenia and asthma, as well as in cancer. Contact: Raul Rodriguez Phone: 650. (PR Newswire)
Why lean times may make you fat Oct 31, 2008
I love organic, but Ive gone away from organic, said Kopen, who cant work outside the home because she is disabled by rheumatoid arthritis. Were doing a diet that is less expensive with less fresh fruits and vegetables and more frozen. (MSNBC -- Health)
Wyeth latest drugmaker to narrow focus of research Oct 31, 2008
The six areas of focus now are vaccines; cancer; inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and severe asthma; metabolic conditions including diabetes and obesity; musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis and spinal fractures; and neuroscience, including treatments for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, depression, schizophrenia and chronic pain ... rheumatoid arthritis. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Antimalarial Drug Prevents Diabetes In Arthritis Patients, Study Suggests Oct 31, 2008
31, 2008) The use of an antimalarial medication may prevent the onset of diabetes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, new Geisinger research shows ... Researchers examined the records of 2,093 Geisinger patients who received treatment for rheumatoid arthritis from 2000 to 2008 ... HCQ was developed to treat malaria but it has also been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. (Science Daily)
Artificial Pancreas Could Revolutionize Treatment Of Type 1 Diabetes Oct 31, 2008
16, 2006) A drug used to treat lymphoma, rheumatoid arthritis and other immune disorders may enable newly-diagnosed type 1 diabetics to save some of their pancreas function and thereby reduce their. (Apr. (Science Daily)
Drug May Prevent Diabetes in Arthritis Patients Oct 31, 2008
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The risk of developing diabetes is cut in half among rheumatoid arthritis patients who use hydroxychloroquine for treatment, according to research findings reported this week at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in San Francisco. "People with rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk for diabetes, due to sedentary lifestyle, chronic inflammation, and use of steroid medications that can cause weight gain," Dr. Androniki Bili told Reuters... (MEDLINEplus)
Type-1 diabetes not so much bad genes as good genes behaving badly, Stanford research shows Oct 31, 2008
Fathman explained it this way: "Take a pair of identical twins, with one having type-1 diabetes. Although both have precisely the same genes, roughly half the time the other twin doesn't get the disease." The same holds true for other autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, he added. The situation, Fathman said, is reminiscent of the 1988 movie "Twins," starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito. (EurekAlert!)
Genmab Announces Results for the First Nine Months of 2008 Oct 30, 2008
- We announced data showing that rheumatoid arthritis patients who participated in the ofatumumab Phase II study achieved long lasting results at the 48 week follow up period. Outlook Genmab is maintaining its 2008 financial guidance with a net loss in the range of DKK 800 to 900 million and projects that the operating loss will be at the lower end of the prior guidance of DKK 850 to 950 million. (PR Newswire)
Early Infections May Increase Arthritis Risk Oct 30, 2008
LONDON (Reuters) - Babies with serious infections during their first year of life appear more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis at an early age, Swedish researchers said on Tuesday ... Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease and often strikes young people, resulting in pain, stiffness and swelling ... Compared to people without the conditions, children who had serious infections early on were more than twice as likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis as a young adult, the study found. (MEDLINEplus)
Biologics Don't Raise Cancer Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Oct 30, 2008
TUESDAY, Oct. 28 (HealthDay News) -- TNF-antagonists, drugs widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), don't appear to cause cancer, say Spanish researchers who analyzed data on more than 4,000 RA patients treated with the biologics. These drugs, which have been used since 1998 and given to more than 600,000 people worldwide, interfere with biologic substances that cause or worsen inflammation in RA patients. (MEDLINEplus)
Why One Fund Manager Is Keen on Amgen Oct 29, 2008
For instance, Schaeffer cited new positive data related to Amgens anti-inflammatory medicine Enbrel, which is used by people suffering from moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. The new data, which was presented recently at the American College of Rheumatology Scientific Meeting in San Francisco, indicates that Enbrel is safe and effective for long-term use. (Fox News)
SQI Diagnostics Submits FDA 510(k) and Health Canada Medical Device License Filings for its Automated SQiDworks Platform and QuantiSpot RA Microarray Consumable Test Oct 29, 2008
The lead test for the platform is the QuantiSpot RA assay, which provides simultaneous analysis of four biomarkers commonly prescribed to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis, including the anti-CCP-IgG marker that has been adopted rapidly over the last five years ... 4 billion autoimmune disease market, with initial products for rheumatoid arthritis and thrombosis scheduled for launch in 2008. (Canada Newswire)
Rheumatoid Arthritis May Harm Gums Oct 29, 2008
TUESDAY, Oct. 28 (HealthDay News) -- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may increase the risk of gum disease, a U.S. study finds. Previous research has suggested a link between RA and periodontal disease, a condition where chronic inflammation results in the separation of the teeth from the gums, loss of bony support, and possible tooth loss. (U.S. News & World Report)
Analysis: Financial crisis heralds era of 'new seriousness' Oct 29, 2008
Find resources to help you pay for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Call about our Financial Planning Process, Insurance, Mutual Funds. (Yahoo News -- Top Stories)
WEHI spin-out MuriGen restructures G-CSF antagonist program with CSL Oct 29, 2008
The collaboration built on the discovery by Professor Ian Wicks, a clinical rheumatologist at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) that antagonism of G-CSF or its receptor could ameliorate inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis ... WEHI's international reputation has been built upon major contributions to immunology, haematology, cancer, malaria and autoimmune diseases, including diabetes, multiple sclerosis, coeliac disease and rheumatoid arthritis. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Rheumatoid Arthritis a Threat to the Heart Oct 29, 2008
MONDAY, Oct. 27 (HealthDay News) -- People newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis face twice the risk of a heart attack, and those who do suffer a heart attack tend to have more heart-related complications, new research says ... "Rheumatoid arthritis patients not only have more heart attacks and heart failures, but they also have worse prognosis once they have a cardiovascular event," said Dr. Hilal Maradit Kremers, lead researcher on one of the studies and an epidemiologist at the Mayo... (MEDLINEplus)
Etanercept, Methotrexate Safe for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Oct 29, 2008
MONDAY, Oct. 27 (HealthDay News) -- The drugs etanercept and methotrexate are safe and effective for long-term, continuous treatment of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, new research finds ... "These data suggest that etanercept, alone or in combination with methotrexate, is safe as long-term continuous therapy for the treatment of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis," he said. (MEDLINEplus)
'Born storyteller' Tony Hillerman dies at 83 Oct 29, 2008
He kept tapping at his keyboard even as his eyes began to dim, as his hearing faded, as rheumatoid arthritis turned his hands into claws. "I'm getting old," he declared in 2002, "but I still like to write.". (CNN -- Showbiz)
Zeppelin to go back on the road Oct 28, 2008
Page last updated at 22:17 GMT, Monday, 27 October 2008. Robert Plant has ruled himself out of further collaborations with the band. (BBC News)
Feeder tour bus destroyed by fire Oct 28, 2008
Page last updated at 13:30 GMT, Monday, 27 October 2008. The band were not travelling in the destroyed bus. (BBC News)
Venture capital firm closes on $250m high-tech fund Oct 28, 2008
Rituxan is found to relieve rheumatoid arthritis pain Rituxan, a treatment from and partner Idec Inc., helped ease joint pain and inflammation in patients with symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis that required more than one course of treatment, a study found. The research showed that patients who underwent a second treatment with Rituxan six months after an initial dose had a statistically significant improvement in symptoms, compared with those given a placebo the second time. (Boston Globe)
Banks 'need a rethink' on risks Oct 28, 2008
" Measures mooted in the FSR include a "leverage ratio", which would peg back the growth in banks' balance sheets to the size of their capital. Another suggestion is "dynamic provisioning", which would encourage banks to build up their reserves or take out insurance against having to seek funding injections. 'Funding gap' The report points out that in 2001, UK customer lending was comparable to customer deposits. But by the first half of 2008 the surplus of lending over deposits - "the customer... (BBC News)
Bouncing high Oct 28, 2008
Page last updated at 22:29 GMT, Monday, 27 October 2008. LeBron: Selling a world sports star. (BBC News)
