Treat-to-target in rheumatoid arthritis: a real-world study of the application and impact of treat-to-target within the wider context of patient management, patient centricity and advanced therapy use in Europe.

Background: While treat-to-target (T2T) is endorsed for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), data on the degree of implementation in clinical practice are limited. This study investigated the use of T2T for RA in a real-world setting across Europe.

Methods: The Adelphi RA Disease-Specific Programme was a point-in-time survey of rheumatologists and their consulting patients with RA conducted between January and October 2020 in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK.

The effect of epidermal levels of urocanic acid on 25-hydroxyvitamin D synthesis and inflammatory mediators upon narrowband UVB irradiation.

Background/purpose: Urocanic acid (UCA) absorbs ultraviolet (UV)B radiation in the epidermis which may interfere with phototherapy. Therefore, the influence of individual levels of UCA on immune reactivity and vitamin D synthesis induced by narrowband UVB radiation was assessed.

Methods: Twenty-eight subjects with irritant contact dermatitis of the hands were irradiated with suberythemal doses of narrowband UVB radiation on their unaffected lower forearms on three consecutive days.

Chronotherapy with modified-release prednisone in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Glucocorticoids are indispensable for the treatment of systemic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), though their beneficial effects have to be balanced with potential complications arising from high doses, prolonged use or dose splitting. A glucocorticoid formulation (modified-release prednisone) has been developed to be taken in accordance with biological rhythms (chronotherapy). Morning symptoms of RA are caused by elevated nocturnal levels of proinflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-6.

The human anti-IL-1 beta monoclonal antibody ACZ885 is effective in joint inflammation models in mice and in a proof-of-concept study in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Introduction: IL-1beta is a proinflammatory cytokine driving joint inflammation as well as systemic signs of inflammation, such as fever and acute phase protein production.

Methods: ACZ885, a fully human monoclonal antibody that neutralizes the bioactivity of human IL-1beta, was generated to study the potent and long-lasting neutralization of IL-1beta in mechanistic animal models as well as in a proof-of-concept study in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Results: The mouse IL-1 receptor cross-reacts with human IL-1beta, and it was demonstrated that ACZ885 can completely suppress IL-1beta-mediated joint inflammation and cartilage destruction in mice.