Biologics for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis


Book Description

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the available biologic therapies whilst comparing them to standard disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, and discusses how best to determine which therapy is most appropriate for an individual patient in the framework of current guidelines. Biologics for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis is an up-to-date and concise practical guide to the latest therapeutic developments in this field. This book is an invaluable source of topical information for all rheumatologists and health care professionals treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis.




Safe and Effective Medicines for Children


Book Description

The Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act (BPCA) and the Pediatric Research Equity Act (PREA) were designed to encourage more pediatric studies of drugs used for children. The FDA asked the IOM to review aspects of pediatric studies and changes in product labeling that resulted from BPCA and PREA and their predecessor policies, as well as assess the incentives for pediatric studies of biologics and the extent to which biologics have been studied in children. The IOM committee concludes that these policies have helped provide clinicians who care for children with better information about the efficacy, safety, and appropriate prescribing of drugs. The IOM suggests that more can be done to increase knowledge about drugs used by children and thereby improve the clinical care, health, and well-being of the nation's children.




Dubois' Lupus Erythematosus


Book Description

Established for forty years as the definitive reference on lupus, Dubois' Lupus Erythematosus is now in its thoroughly revised, updated Seventh Edition. More than ninety distinguished contributing authors—twenty of them new to this edition—provide comprehensive coverage of every aspect of cutaneous and systemic lupus erythematosus, including definitions, pathogenesis, autoantibodies, clinical and laboratory features, management, prognosis, and patient education. This edition focuses on evidence-based findings, treatment consensuses, and practical clinical information. New chapters cover cytokines and interferons, pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, immune tolerance, clinical indices in assessment of lupus, mixed connective tissue disease, reproductive issues, fibromyalgia, gender-related issues, and biomarkers.




Biologics in Rheumatology


Book Description

Significant progress has been acquired in the treatment of rheumatic conditions with the introduction of biologic therapies, which has enabled better control of disease activity and improved patients' long-term outcome. Apart from several biologic treatments already licensed for use in autoimmune rheumatic conditions, numerous other agents are currently under investigation. This rapid expansion of the therapeutic armamentarium requires a critical analysis of individual biologic options and their clinical indications, in order to facilitate the optimal use of these new therapies. The authors felt that a comprehensive book revisiting all the evidence available regarding the efficacy, cost-effectiveness and health implications of the use of biologics in rheumatology was needed in order to integrate the clinical, ethical and socio-economic aspects related to their use. This book is aimed at specialist doctors, trainees, nurses and health professionals working in the field of rheumatology. It critically appraises the level of evidence behind the use of biologic agents in diverse autoimmune diseases, comprising separate chapters which focus on rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, myositis, systemic sclerosis, Sjogren's syndrome, seronegative spondyloarthropathies, psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis, small, medium and large vessel vasculitis, osteoporosis, and interstitial lung disease associated with rheumatic conditions. In addition, the book explores aspects related to the use of biologic agents, such as ethical considerations of consenting patients to take part in clinical trials with biologics, and adolescent and adult rheumatology nurse perspectives related to patients' benefits of biologic therapies. Particular interest is given to the use of biologics during pregnancy and assessment of their infectious risks. A separate chapter explores the off-target benefits associated with the use of anti-TNF therapies. Several chapters include data about cost-effectiveness, and national and international guidelines for the use of biologic agents in different rheumatic conditions.




Introduction to Basics of Pharmacology and Toxicology


Book Description

This book explains the pharmacological relationships between the various systems in the human body. It offers a comprehensive overview of the pharmacology concerning the autonomic, central, and peripheral nervous systems. Presenting up-to-date information on chemical mediators and their significance, it highlights the therapeutic aspects of several diseases affecting the cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrinal, and hematopoietic systems. The book also includes drug therapy for microbial and neoplastic diseases. It also comprises sections on immunopharmacology, dermatological, and ocular pharmacology providing valuable insights into these emerging and recent topics. Covering the diverse groups of drugs acting on different systems, the book reviews their actions, clinical uses, adverse effects, interactions, and subcellular mechanisms of action. It is divided into 11 parts, subdivided into several chapters that evaluate the basic pharmacological principles that govern the different types of body systems. This book is intended for academicians, researchers, and clinicians in industry and academic institutions in pharmaceutical, pharmacological sciences, pharmacy, medical sciences, physiology, neurosciences, biochemistry, molecular biology and other allied health sciences.




Pediatric Rheumatology, an Issue of Rheumatic Disease Clinics


Book Description

This issue of Rheumatic Disease Clinics teaches you the latest developments and best practices in pediatric rheumatology. Guest edited by Andreas Reiff, topics include juvenile arthritis, juvenile spondyloarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, vasculitis, scleroderma, eye conditions, and more




Therapeutic Immunosuppression


Book Description

This work has broad applications in clinical medicine, ranging from prevention and treatment of organ and bone marrow transplant rejection, management of various autoimmune disorders (for example, rheumatoid arthritis), skin disease and asthma. Whereas traditionally only a small repertoire of immunosuppressive agents was available for clinical use, recent discoveries have significantly increased the number of approved agents, resulting in numerous trials to further evaluate their potential. There is also considerable interest in the potential of cell-based therapies (particularly hematopoietic stem and dendritic cell therapy) of allo- and autoimmunity. Important recent advances in the immunotherapy of allergic diseases are also covered in this book. This volume is intended both for practising physicians and surgeons and for biomedical scientists at the graduate/postdoctoral levels, and is designed to provide the theory behind these various approaches to immunosuppression, and to provide state-of-the-art reviews of current developments in each area.




Biologics in General Medicine


Book Description

This is the first book to cover every angle in the clinical application of biologics. Readers will not only find that all of the biologics currently approved for clinical use are delineated in a standardized way, but also the "differential therapy" with biologics in fields including dermatology and neurology is described in detail and summarized in treatment algorithms. Shorter sections on biologic biotechnology as well as safety and regulatory issues complement the more clinically-oriented central chapters.




Early Rheumatoid Arthritis


Book Description

This issue covers the latest developments in the understanding of rheumatoid arthritis at the early stage. Treatments such as with newer biologic agents and conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are reviewed. Also included are articles on imaging modalities as a means of identifying those in the early stages and monitoring response to treatment.




Safety of Biologics Therapy


Book Description

This long overdue title provides a comprehensive, up-to-date, state-of-the art review of approved biologic therapies, with coverage of mechanisms of action, Indications for therapy, immunogenicity and a detailed examination of adverse effects and safety of the many and diverse therapeutic agents presented in a total of 13 chapters. It is predicted that by 2016, biologics will make up half of the world's 20 top-selling drugs and by 2018, biologic medicine sales will account for almost half of the world's 100 biggest selling drugs. Recombinant proteins dominate the growing list of the more than 200 approved biotherapeutic agents with targeted antibodies, fusion proteins and receptors; cytokines; hormones; enzymes; proteins involved in blood-clotting, homeostasis and thrombosis; vaccines; botulinum neurotoxins; and, more recently, biosimilar preparations, comprising the majority of approved biologics. Written with clinicians, other health care professionals, and researchers in mind, Safety of Biologics Therapy examines, in a single volume, the full range of issues surrounding the safety of approved biologic therapies. A good understanding of the risks and safety issues of modern biologics therapy is increasingly being demanded of all those connected with their development, handling, prescribing, administration and subsequent patient management. In addition to being of great value to clinicians in all branches of medicine, and to nurses, pharmacists and researchers, this book will prove invaluable for students taking undergraduate and graduate courses in the above disciplines and in the biomedical sciences.