Use of follow-on disease-modifying treatments for multiple sclerosis: Consensus recommendations.

Background: As patents for multiple sclerosis (MS) therapies expire, follow-on disease-modifying treatments (FO-DMTs) become available at reduced cost. Concerns exist that cheaper FO-DMTs are used simply to reduce healthcare costs. However, the well-being of people with MS should take priority.

New Knowledge About Old Drugs: The Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cardiac Glycosides.

In the 19th century, cardio-active steroid glycosides, shortly cardiac glycosides, were scientifically established as drugs against heart failure. Their , cellular, and molecular actions as well as their predominant target, Na-K-ATPase, have been comprehensively investigated in the 20th century and the discovery of endogenous cardiac glycosides has fostered this research field. In the last years, however, results from clinical trials and meta-analyses have questioned their therapeutic value due to efficacy and safety issues.

High thioredoxin-1 levels in rheumatoid arthritis patients diminish binding and signalling of the monoclonal antibody Tregalizumab.

The humanized non-depleting anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody Tregalizumab (BT-061) is able to selectively activate the suppressive function of regulatory T cells and has been investigated up to phase IIb in clinical trials in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model based on clinical data from RA and healthy volunteers, which used the cell surface CD4 downmodulation as marker of activity, confirmed a stronger effect in healthy volunteers compared with RA patients. We tried to understand this phenomenon and evaluated the influence of the small oxidoreductase thioredoxin-1 (Trx1).

Biosimilars Are Here: A Hospital Pharmacist's Guide to Educating Health Care Professionals on Biosimilars.

Background: Pharmacists are the recognized experts in pharmacotherapy. With the recent introduction of biosimilar agents into the US market, pharmacists are poised to play a pivotal role in evaluating their risks versus benefits within the framework of cost containment.

Purpose: This article provides hospital pharmacists with the necessary information on the principles surrounding the development, approval process, and use of biosimilars.