REPOST: Lilly arthritis drug shows durability in study

This article from Reuters discusses how the trial drug developed by Eli Lilly and Company helped reduce pain brought by rheumatoid arthritis.

(Reuters) - A pill for rheumatoid arthritis being developed by Eli Lilly and Co and Incyte Corp maintained its effectiveness in reducing painful symptoms through 24 weeks of treatment in a midstage extension study, according to data presented at a medical meeting on Tuesday.

A sub-study of patients taking part in the trial of the drug, baricitinib, also showed that the two highest doses tested helped to reduce joint damage, based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tests.

The companies in June released positive data from the 301-subject Phase II study after 12 weeks of treatment in patients with mild to moderate RA who had an inadequate response to methotrexate. Data from the ongoing extension study, presented Tuesday at the American College of Rheumatology meeting in Washington, measured baricitinib treatment through the 24 weeks.

Based on the data collected from its Phase II programs, Lilly said it has moved into late-stage testing of the drug.

Four Phase III RA studies of baricitinib using the 2 milligram and 4 mg doses are planned for patients who have not previously been treated with methotrexate or injectable biotech drugs and also in patients who did have prior treatment with biologics, or drugs made from living organisms or their products, the companies said. Those studies will form the basis of the data package used to seek approval of the drug.

After 24 weeks, 73 percent of patients who received 8 mg of the Lilly drug once daily achieved the ACR20 goal, or a 20 percent improvement in rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. That compared with 78 percent who hit ACR20 at 12 weeks.

For the 4 mg dose, 78 percent of patients hit ACR 20 at 24 weeks, up from 75 percent at week 12.

The 2 mg dose that failed to show statistical significance compared with a placebo at 12 weeks had 63 percent of patients achieve ACR20 by week 24 of treatment, the data showed.

The study also measured ACR50 and ACR70 rates, or 50 percent and 70 percent improvement. All three doses showed improvement at 24 weeks from measurements taken at 12 weeks.

"These data are important because collectively they show patients experienced improvement with baricitinib as early as week two that was sustained through week 24," Dr. Mark Genovese, co-chief of the division of immunology and rheumatology at Stanford University School of Medicine, said in a statement.

"Also of note is that the percentage of patients achieving ACR50 and ACR70 increased over time and no unexpected safety findings emerged with continued dosing," said Genovese, a member of the steering committee for the study.

Baricitinib belongs to a hot new class of oral medicines called Jak inhibitors that aim to compete with the injected rheumatoid arthritis drugs that currently dominate the market with billions in sales. Pfizer Inc last week became the first company to bring one of the new drugs to market with the U.S. approval of tofacitinib, which will be sold under the brand name Xeljanz.

Jak inhibitors block enzymes believed to be involved in the inflammatory process.

In the sub-study of 154 patients who underwent MRI testing, there was a statistically significant improvement in measures of inflammation and joint damage at the 4 mg and 8 mg doses after 12 weeks compared with placebo, the companies said. The effects persisted through 24 weeks, they said.

In order to compete with the biologic blockbuster injected drugs, such as Abbott Laboratories' $8 billion a year Humira, the Jak inhibitors must show that they can prevent or delay joint deterioration as well as alleviate symptoms.

(Reporting by Bill Berkrot in New York; editing by Matthew Lewis and Prudence Crowther)

It's a sign of old age: Kinga Vereczkey and myths about rheumatoid arthritis

Despite how common arthritis is, the general public seems to know little about it. To raise awareness, rheumatologists, like Kinga Vereczkey, try to educate people about the truths behind the popular myths surrounding rheumatoid arthritis. Some examples are:

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Arthritis is a sign of old age 
This misconception is due to the number of grandparents who have arthritis. The truth is that the disease can develop at any age. Inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues can manifest in people as young as 25 years old. According to the vice president of public health for the Arthritis Foundation, most sufferers are actually under the age of 65.

Arthritis can be cured by special diets 
This myth has been held about roughly all diseases but is particularly untrue for rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology specialists, like Kinga Vereczkey, clarify that no specific kind of food can cure osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. However, eating healthily can lead to weight loss, which relieves arthritis symptoms like joint pain.

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Arthritis sufferers should avoid exercise 
When a person is in pain, their first instinct is to cease all movement in an attempt to alleviate it. However, people with osteoarthritis should exercise regularly to reduce the pain and strengthen their joint muscles. Of course, exercises should be mild and low-impact in nature. Doctors, like Kinga Vereczkey, often recommend walking, biking, Tai chi, and yoga.

Rheumatoid arthritis patients will be bedridden 
In the past, when rheumatoid arthritis was less understood, sufferers were sometimes confined to wheelchairs at the worst of its onset. However, treatments have improved greatly in the last 20 years, and early detection can prevent arthritis progression. These days, treatments and medication help patients manage the symptoms and allow doctors to detect symptoms early, thus preventing the onset of full-blown rheumatoid arthritis altogether.

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To read more about Dr. Kinga Vereczkey and her practice, follow this Twitter account.

Cut loose: Kinga Vereczkey-Porter focuses on joint hypermobility syndrome

People who don’t know a thing or two about joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) may likely display prejudice and put labels on those ‘loose joints.’ But rheumatologists like Dr. Kinga Vereczkey-Porter would say that JHS is a serious condition that requires attention, understanding, and respect.

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JHS is a multi-system connective tissue disorder condition involving an abnormality in collagen, a type of protein found throughout the body that helps connect tissues together. Collagen defect results in tissue laxity, leading to increased flexibility or uncommon large range of movement of the joints. Patients with JHS can bend into bizarre positions and perform contortionist tricks, such as bending their thumbs backwards, reaching their wrists, and reaching the back of their head with their legs. Though some of the tricks are considered an asset, physicians warn that benign hypermobility syndrome can lead to overuse injury, joint pain, sprains and dislocations, and osteoarthritis.

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Rheumatologists, including Dr. Kinga Vereczkey-Porter, would say that JHS is usually hereditary and can appear as a symptom of serious conditions, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, and Marfan syndrome, thereby early diagnosis and treatment are advised. JHS is normally managed through exercise and physiotherapy, which is a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach to treating physical problems involving the body’s systems such as the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory system.

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Dr. Kinga Vereczkey is a rheumatology expert and the director at Sanford Specialty Clinics. To learn more about her and her specialty, visit this Twitter page.

There's no cure yet: Dr. Kinga Vereczkey-Porter and exploring psoriatic arthritis

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Dr. Kinga Vereczkey-Porter would immediately see the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis is a chronic disease that may lead to worse conditions when left untreated. Swollen fingers and toes are common indicators, followed by pain in the feet and in the lower back. People afflicted with psoriasis may suffer from bone damage in the absence of treatment.


Psoriatic arthritis is among the most serious of rheumatic conditions. The body’s immune system begins attacking healthy cells and tissue, leading to joint inflammation and overproduction of skin cells. Genetic and environmental factors play individual roles in this—studies have indicated certain genetic markers associated with psoriatic arthritis.

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Dr. Kinga Vereczkey-Porter knows how important it is to keep in touch with doctors in case psoriatic arthritis occurs. Some people with this condition develop arthritis mutilans, which destroys small bones in the hand. This may lead to permanent deformity and disability.


According to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, there are several types that may control psoriatic arthritis, though no cure has been discovered yet. The main control points are those for inflammation, pain, and disability.

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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the common medicines used for treatment, as well as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). NSAIDs include ibuprofen, and help in controlling pain, swelling, and morning stiffness. DMARDs control the amount of damage that may be suffered by joints, though they act slower than most drugs.


Immunosuppressant medications like azathioprine and cyclosporine may also be used in treatment, as well as TNF-alpha inhibitors, which block the inflammation-causing proteins.  


For more on Dr. Kinga Vereczkey-Porter and her medical expertise, follow this Twitter page.

Kinga Vereczkey: More evidence linking alcohol to decreased risk for rheumatoid arthritis

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There’s another reason to say ‘cheers to good health.’ A recent study suggests that moderate alcohol consumption could lower the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Kinga Vereczkey and other rheumatologists would find this insight highly valuable considering that the long-term disease is now one of the leading causes of disability in the country.

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A study published in the British Medical Journal shows that women who drank alcohol at least three times a week in a span of 10 years have reduced their risk of developing the disease by half. The immune-lowering properties of alcohol might have worked well for this population since rheumatoid arthritis is a form of autoimmune disease. Alcohol has been found to contain properties which can boost the immune system and prevent bone loss. However, the study warns of excessive alcohol consumption as it has been associated with certain cancers, liver ailments, high blood pressure, and heart problems.

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Rheumatologists, like Dr. Kinga Vereczkey, would believe that the study would help shed some light on the subject of the treatment and prevention of rheumatoid arthritis. There’s no established way of preventing the disease and its exact cause remains unknown. What remains clear is that it’s a systemic disease that affects joints and other organs, leading to pain, less movements, and worse, the deterioration of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis is more common to women than men and affects children and adults.

Dr. Kinga Vereczkey is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. For more news on Dr. Vereczkey and rheumatology, follow this Twitter page.

Dr. Kinga Vereczkey-Porter: How to avoid rheumatism

Dr. Kinga Vereczkey-Porter is a physician with extensive experience in rheumatology.

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Rheumatism is caused by the inflammation in many of your joints. When you have this condition, you experience severe pain in your bones, muscles, and joints. It is commonly experienced by middle-aged and elderly people and often involves problems in the internal organs such as the heart, skin, kidneys, and lungs. Symptoms include joint and bone pain, swelling, body pain, stiffness of the affected muscles, and fever.

Rheumatism is often caused by presence of toxic products in the blood, eating food that is high in acid content, acid-alkali imbalance, and mental, emotional, and physical stress. Heredity and hormonal disorders can also cause rheumatism.

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Fortunately, there are ways to avoid this condition. Experts such as Dr. Kinga Vereczkey-Porter have some tips on how you can steer clear of rheumatism:

*Do not apply too much pressure or impact on the affected area.

*Take short, periodic breaks when doing manual labor to avoid straining the joints too much.

*Avoid twisting, gripping, or clenching your hands repeatedly.

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*Drink teas that are known to treat rheumatism. Alfalfa tea is great for preventing rheumatic contractions.

*Limit consumption of food that may cause rheumatism. These include meat, refined carbohydrates, nightshade vegetables (those that contain solanine), and salty snacks such as potato chips. These types of food can lead to joint swelling and pain, and may have a significant impact on your blood sugar levels, leading to increased appetite and weight gain – which in turn can strain your joints.

More information about Dr. Kinga Vereczkey-Porter, and joint health and rheumatism prevention can be found on this Twitter page.

Can’t stand still? Dr. Kinga Vereczkey-Porter discusses restless legs syndrome

Doctors, including Kinga Vereczkey-Porter, would define the restless legs syndrome (RLS) as a neurological disorder characterized by the irresistible urge to move the legs and arms, leading to discomfort, sleep deprivation, pain, and stress. In 2011, the RLS Foundation changed its name to Willis-Ekbom disease, in recognition of the physicians who made great contribution in the study of the disease.

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On the surface, the change of name is applied because ‘restless legs’ is an oxymoron, suggesting a comical meaning to those who don’t understand the disorder. The term ‘Willis-Ekbom disease’ makes clear how pathological restlessness affects the normal function of the limbs. The name covers all the important components of the disorder, including the current knowledge about brain dopamine, brain iron, and the genetic factors associated with the condition.

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For internists, including Dr. Kinga Vereczkey-Porter, changing the name from syndrome to disease is highly applicable given that the pathophysiology of the condition is now known. Syndrome signifies only ‘a collection of symptoms.’ It’s also good to hear that the new moniker eliminates all the trivial factors surrounding the condition, lessening the stigma of and advocating respect for those suffering from the disease.

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Dr. Kinga Vereczkey-Porter specializes in internal medicine and is the director of Sanford Specialty Clinics in North Carolina. For more details about her, visit this Twitter page.

Kinga Vereczkey-Porter: What is medical residency?

Dr. Kinga Vereczkey-Porter is a rheumatologist practicing in North Carolina. She is an internist who continued her training and earned her specialization in rheumatology.

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The Hippocratic profession offers a lot of paths for doctors to take, in the form of specializations. Choosing a path imbues one with more knowledge, and a greater authority in the particular field chosen, but entails spending more years of study and training. For doctors looking into acquiring a specialization, the journey begins with residency.

Residency is one of the stages of graduate medical training, and comprises a physician’s first steps towards specialization. Needless to say, only individuals who have received a medical, podiatric, or dental degree are permitted to pursue residency.

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Dr. Kinga Vereczkey-Porter completed her internship and residency at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York.

Residency fulfills several roles, primary of which is training new doctors in more advanced medical skills and methodologies. Residents are often called interns during their first year, and are supervised by an attending physician with expertise that depends on the medical sphere that the residents want to study. Some common examples of specializations taken during residency are internal medicine, neurology, family medicine, and dermatology.

Residency is also an important requirement for foreign doctors who want to practice in the United States. This is regardless of whether the doctors have completed their medical studies and acquired the necessary licenses in their home country. In any case, a residency typically lasts a minimum of three years for most specializations, and up to five years for some surgical specialties.

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Get more updates on Dr. Kinga Vereczkey-Porter by visiting this Facebook page.

Avoiding the bite: Dr. Kinga Vereczkey-Porter and the facts about Lyme disease

Lyme disease proves that even the smallest bites can cause very painful consequences. This bacterial illness is a special interest for rheumatologists like Dr. Kinga Vereczkey-Porter due to the symptoms it develops in later stages. The condition is curable, but can cause complications that make prevention the best solution.

From Kinga Vereczkey-Porter

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria found in the stomach of deer tick. The condition is not contagious. It is acquired through the bite of an infected tick, which permits bacteria to enter and infect the body.

Lyme disease starts with an expanding red rash accompanied by flu-like symptoms. If left untreated, the illness can progress and cause abnormalities in the circulatory and nervous systems. Its more advanced stage is characterized by impaired motor and sensory nerves, and swelling joints similar to arthritis. Rheumatologists like Dr. Kinga Vereczkey-Porter can help patients suffering from the joint disorders caused by Lyme disease.

From Kinga Vereczkey-Porter

The illness is identified through the characteristic red rash it causes. In some cases though, doctors have to depend on the patient’s medical history, especially when no rash has developed. A patient may also be tested for the presence of Lyme antibodies, but the procedure is not considered very accurate. Currently, more precise tests to diagnose the disease are being developed.

Treatment of Lyme disease varies depending on how far the condition has progressed. For early stages, oral antibiotics are typically sufficient, but advanced cases may require intravenously administered medication. Experts suggest avoiding tick-infested places, and applying insect repellant to minimize tick bites. A visit to the doctor is also ideal once an early symptom is identified.

From Kinga Vereczkey-Porter

Dr. Kinga Vereczkey-Porter practices internal medicine and rheumatology in North Carolina. Visit her Twitter page for more updates.