Receive FREE education materials

Release date: December 18, 2006
Accreditation Expired

Program Description

Recent developments in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis include the approval of two new biologic agents (abatacept and rituximab), earlier initiation of treatment, and a move toward tight control of therapy with consistent monitoring of disease activity. Data from clinical trials of abatacept and rituximab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis suggest these agents are relatively effective and safe. Other studies suggest that early treatment and tight control have the potential to increase clinical benefits and improve outcomes for a greater percentage of patients. There is still much debate about how to integrate information from clinical trials into clinical practice. Questions remain about how these new agents will be used and their place in the current rheumatoid arthritis armamentarium, which treatment strategies optimize outcomes, and how to implement tight control in the clinical setting. Our panel of rheumatology experts discusses these issues within the context of recent clinical trial results and the implications for treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Target Audience

The target audience for this activity includes rheumatologists and rheumatology fellows.

Educational Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Explain the limitations of DMARD therapy and the importance of early treatment of RA and tight control
• Describe the roles that B-cells and T-cells play in the pathophysiology of RA
• Compare the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety profiles of newer RA therapeutic agents

Disclaimer

©2006 Scinexa, LLC / CMEdiscovery.com. All rights reserved. None of the contents may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from Scinexa, LLC.

The views and opinions expressed in this activity are those of the faculty. They do not reflect the views of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, any other manufacturer of pharmaceuticals, Medical Education Resources, Inc., or Scinexa, LLC.

The recommendations made in this program are based upon a combination of randomized clinical trials, current guidelines, and the clinical practice experience of the participating panelists. Any medications, diagnostic procedures or treatments discussed by the panelists should not be utilized without evaluation of their patient's conditions. Participants are urged to consult the full prescribing information on any drug mentioned in this activity for recommended dosage, indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse effects before prescribing any medication.

Printer settings may vary. Please use landscape layout option.

Copyright © 2006 Scinexa, LLC / CMEdiscovery.com. All rights reserved.