American College Of Rheumatology 2008 Annual Meeting Highlights

Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients do Worse After a Heart Attack Following a heart attack, people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) suffer greater heart-related complications, including an increased risk for dying, when compared to other heart attack patients, according to research presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in San Francisco.

Increasing Incidence Of Rheumatoid Arthritis In Women

After four decades on the decline, rheumatoid arthritis is on the upswing among women in the United States. That's the finding presented by Mayo Clinic investigators at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals in San Francisco. "This is a significant finding and an indicator that more research needs to be done to better understand the causes and treatment of this devastating disease," says Sherine Gabriel, M.D.

Psoriatic Arthritis: First International Guidelines For Treatment

Rheumatologists, dermatologists, and patient advocates have come together to publish the first-ever international guidelines for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, a disease that mainly affects people who have psoriasis but also some people without it. The guidelines by the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) were presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology. The group was headed by Christopher Ritchlin, M.

Pfizer To Present Data On New Approaches To Pain And Inflammation Treatment At ACR Meeting

Pfizer will present data on three investigational compounds that represent potential new mechanisms for targeting pain and inflammation. These data will highlight tanezumab, a molecule designed to target nerve growth factor, a key pain mediator; CP-690,550, a JAK-inhibitor that suppresses immune-related inflammatory response; and esreboxetine, a highly-selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor which plays a role in controlling the activity of this important neurotransmitter.

Study Shows ENBREL(R) (etanercept) More Effective Than A DMARD In The Treatment Of Symptoms Of Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients

New safety and efficacy data for active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients treated with ENBREL(R) (etanercept) were presented at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Scientific Meeting, 24-29 October, in San Francisco, CA: (1),(2) - As discussed in an oral pr

Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors Increase, Treatments Reduce Heart Attack Risk In People With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Age, sex and traditional risk factors - such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and body mass - are more important predictors of heart attack in patients with rheumatoid arthritis than the use of certain medications that have been considered the link between the two and lipid-lowering medications may actually reduce this risk, according to research presented this week at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in San Francisco, Calif.

Rheumatoid Arthritis On The Rise Among American Women

Scientists presenting findings of their research at a conference in the United States at the weekend said they found evidence that after four decades of decline, rheumatoid arthritis was on the rise among American women.

Tociluzumab Quick And Effective For Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

An international trial found that the new drug tociluzumab, when given in combination with methotrexate, was fast, effective and reasonably tolerated compared to placebo in treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis that had not responded to TNF therapy.

One-Year Data Show Golimumab Improved Signs And Symptoms In Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis In Phase 3 Study

More than half of patients receiving every four week subcutaneous injections of golimumab (CNTO 148) 50 mg and 100 mg, an investigational therapy, experienced sustained improvements in the joint and skin symptoms of active psoriatic arthritis through six months with results sustained through one year.

CIMZIA(R) (Certolizumab Pegol) Provides Rapid And Sustained Relief From Signs And Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis For Two Years

UCB announced results from several Phase III clinical trials evaluating CIMZIA(R) (certolizumab pegol) - the only PEGylated anti-TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor) - presented at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Annual Scientific Meeting.

ACTEMRA (R) (tocilizumab) Significantly Reduced Signs And Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis In Patients Who Failed Prior Treatments

Data from two Phase III studies showed that patients who suffer from the debilitating and painful effects of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) achieved significant improvements in signs and symptoms when treated with ACTEMRA(R) (tocilizumab) alone or in combination with methotrexate compared with methotrexate alone.

Golimumab Phase 3 Data Show Significant Improvement In Physical Function In Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Results from two Phase 3 studies showed that patients receiving every four week subcutaneous injections of golimumab (CNTO 148) 50 mg or 100 mg, an investigational therapy, experienced significant improvements in physical function, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and fatigue.

ACZ885 Phase III Data Show Rapid, Sustained Clinical Remission In Children And Adults Suffering From A Group Of Rare Autoinflammatory Diseases

New Phase III data demonstrate that ACZ885 (canakinumab), a biological drug in development, achieved rapid and long-lasting clinical remission after just one dose in children and adults with a group of rare but potentially life-threatening autoinflammatory diseases called Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS)1. Due to the long duration of response, patients only needed further treatment every two months1.

Clinical Remission Figures Double For People With Rheumatoid Arthritis Following Multiple Courses Of MabThera (rituximab)

Results of the REFLEX study1 show that the number of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) achieving clinical remission from their disease doubled over three successive treatment courses with MabThera (rituximab) when used in combination with methotrexate (from 8.8% achieving clinical remission* after the first course to 17.6% after the third course).

Data Demonstrate ORENCIA(R) (abatacept) Improves Health-Related Quality Of Life, Pain And Sleep Quality In Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) today announced at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Annual Scientific Meeting in San Francisco results from a 10-month study which showed that ORENCIA^ (abatacept), compared to placebo, significantly improved multiple aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQoL): physical and psychosocial well being, pain and sleep quality in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients between the ages 6 and 17 years.

More Patients With Early Erosive Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated With ORENCIA(R) And Methotrexate Achieved DAS28 (CRP)-Defined Remission Versus MTX Alone

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) today announced results from a Phase IIIb study in adult patients with early moderate-to-severe erosive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who had never received previous methotrexate (MTX) treatment. This study showed that ORENCIA^ (abatacept) in combination with MTX had significantly more patients achieve a Disease Activity Score 28 using C-reactive protein [DAS28 (CRP)]-defined remission, compared with MTX plus placebo (PBO) (41.4 percent versus 23.

University Of Kentucky Launches Clinical Outcomes-Based Educational Initiative To Reinforce Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Standards Of Care

The University of Kentucky Pharmacy and Medicine Continuing Education Office (UKPMCE) announced today the launch of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Educational Challenge (RAEC), which will address deficits in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Better Interaction And Education Between Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients And Care Providers Needed, New Study Indicates

UCB announced today findings from large-scale rheumatoid arthritis (RA) surveys collectively called the DESIGN study that showed patients rating themselves as having substantially less knowledge of RA therapies than their physicians and nurses believed. The survey also showed disagreement between physicians and nurses over who should be charged with patient education, as well a high level of patient dissatisfaction with the level of pain they suffer from RA.

New Study Demonstrated ACTEMRA(R) (tocilizumab) Inhibited Progression Of Joint Damage In Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

One-year data from a two-year Phase III study demonstrated that ACTEMRA(R) (tocilizumab) significantly inhibited the progression of structural joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Late-breaking results from the LITHE study will be featured as an oral presentation during the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Annual Scientific Meeting (October 24-28) in San Francisco.

Higher Risk Of Arthritis Later In Life For Those With Infections During Infancy

Swedish researchers report in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases that there is an increase in the risk of developing arthritis in early adulthood if a child has a serious infection during the first year of his or her life. Cecilia Carlens (Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital and Institute, Stockholm, Sweden) and colleagues studied data from national registers on over 3,500 people born between 1973 and 2002.

Seattle Genetics Presents Data On SGN-70, A Humanized Monoclonal Antibody Targeting CD70

Seattle Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SGEN) today presented preclinical data on SGN-70 at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Annual Scientific Meeting in San Francisco, California. SGN-70 is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD70 that is in development as a novel therapy for autoimmune diseases. Seattle Genetics is currently conducting a phase I trial to assess the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of SGN-70 in healthy volunteers.

Antimalarial Drug Prevents Diabetes In Arthritis Patients

The use of an antimalarial medication may prevent the onset of diabetes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, new Geisinger research shows. Researchers examined the records of 2,093 Geisinger patients who received treatment for rheumatoid arthritis from 2000 to 2008. The study looked at, among other things, use of the medication hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and the development of new cases of diabetes in these patients.

Coping With Aches And Pains, From The Mayo Clinic

Contrary to popular belief, aches and pains are not a typical part of aging. Age alone does not mean a person automatically experiences aches and pains. Pain can be a red flag that points to a disease, illness or injury. Any pain that interferes with the activities of daily life is worthy of attention. MayoClinic.com highlights a number of conditions that can cause major aches and pains as a person ages, and offers information on diagnosis, treatment, self-care and coping.

Rituxan Data In Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis To Be Presented At The American College Of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting

Genentech, Inc. (NYSE: DNA) and Biogen Idec, Inc. (Nasdaq: BIIB) announced that Rituxan^: (rituximab) data including results from Phase II and III studies of Rituxan in patients with moderately-to-severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) will be featured in two podium presentations and eight poster presentations at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Annual Scientific Meeting in San Francisco this week.

Cimzia(R) Study Shows Rapid Reduction Of Symptoms And Inhibition Of Joint Damage Progression In RA

UCB announced today the online publication of pivotal study results showing CIMZIA^ (certolizumab pegol), the only PEGylated anti-TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor) together with methotrexate (MTX) rapidly reduced symptoms of disease and inhibited progression of joint damage in adult patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with sustained results for up to one year.

Study Shows EUFLEXXA(R) Patients Report Significant Improvements In Osteoarthritis Of The Knee Pain Over A Six Month Period

Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. recently presented results from the FLEXX Trial of Osteoarthritis of the Knee, showing that EUFLEXXA(R) (1% sodium hyaluronate), a highly pure non-avian high molecular weight form of intra-articular hyaluronic acid (IA-HA), is superior to intra-articular saline (IA-saline) for the relief of pain in knee osteoarthritis (OA) at 26 weeks.

Arthritis Patients Benefit From Exercise Programs, Education

Arthritis is the nation's most common cause of disability. The number of adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis is projected to increase to 67 million by 2030, and a large proportion of U.S. adults will limit their activity as a result, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Number Of Joint Replacement Procedures, Revisions Increases

The AP/Philadelphia Inquirer on Tuesday examined how the number of hip and knee replacements is "skyrocketing because they can successfully relieve pain and help people to walk normally again" and how the number of more complex and more expensive "revisions," or subsequent replacements, also has increased. The

Evotec Announces Phase I Initiation With P2X7 Antagonist

Evotec AG (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: EVT; NASDAQ: EVTC) announced today that Phase I clinical studies for its proprietary, small molecule P2X7 receptor antagonist have been initiated. The P2X7 receptor is an ATP-gated ion channel primarily expressed on cells of the immune system and is thought to play an important role in inflammatory processes through the regulation of a number of proinflammatory cytokines.

Access To Psychological Support And Self-Management Courses Could Ease The Emotional Burden Of Arthritis/Rheumatism, Survey Says

An online survey for World Arthritis Day (WAD), completed by over 3,600* respondents revealed that access to psychological support and self-management courses could help people with arthritis/rheumatism cope more effectively with their condition and achieve better quality of life. Healthcare professionals, people with rheumatic disease and their carers, who responded to the survey, highlight the importance of integrating psychological support into the standard treatment regime.

Vioxx Heart Risk Persists One Year After Stopping Use

A new international study found that Merck's pain killer Vioxx (rofecoxib), which the drug company voluntarily withdrew from the market in 2004, found that a near two-fold increased risk of heart, stroke and death persisted for up to one year after stopping use.

Long-Term Follow-Up Data Confirm Cox-2 Inhibitor Rofecoxib Substantially Increases Risk Of Stroke, Heart Attack, And Death

Long term follow-up data from the APPROVe trial confirms that use of the Cox-2 inhibitor rofecoxib* substantially increases the risk of stroke, heart attack and death compared with placebo. These are the conclusions of an Article published early Online and in an upcoming edition of The Lancet.

9.5% Of American Adults Treated For Arthritis

Approximately 21 million Americans - 9.5 percent of adults 18 and older - either visited or called a doctor for a prescription to reduce arthritis pain in 2005, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. It is usually associated with aging and most often causes pain and stiffness in the fingers, knees, and hips.

Knee Arthritis Did Not Benefit From Supplements

US scientists found that the dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate were no more effective than placebo at slowing down the rate of cartilage loss in the knees of patients with osteoarthritis; however they also said the trial was probably too short and too small, and spoke more to scientists about how to conduct further research in this area than than to patients. The two-year multicenter study was the work of rheumatologist Dr Allen D.

Follow-On Phase I Study For Novel Oral Anti-Inflammatory Drug Targeting Rheumatoid Arthritis And Type 1 Diabetes

VGX Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company that is developing DNA vaccines for cancer and HIV and therapeutics for other diseases, announced today the results of a Phase I single ascending dose (SAD) study that demonstrated that its lead anti-inflammatory compound, VGX-1027, was generally safe and well tolerated in humans. As a result, VGX Pharmaceuticals and VGX International, a Korean affiliate that is jointly developing VGX-1027, have commenced a multiple ascending dose (MAD) study.

Arana Files IND For Lead Anti-Inflammatory Product ART621 In Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Indication

Biotechnology company Arana Therapeutics Limited (ASX: AAH) announced it has submitted an Investigational New Drug application (IND) to the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) for the anti-inflammatory product ART621 in a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) indication. The IND includes a Phase II dose ranging study of ART621/221 in RA which is planned to be an international multi-centred trial of approximately 200 patients.

Half Of Adults At Risk For Painful Knee Arthritis

A landmark government study suggests nearly one in two people (46%) will develop painful knee osteoarthritis over their lifetime, with the highest risk among those who are obese. According to the Arthritis Foundation, the study underscores the immediate need for the public to understand what they can do to reduce the tremendous pain, disability and cost associated with arthritis. Arthritis is exploding in an aging population of U.S. baby boomers. Nearly one in five U.S.

Third Clinical Trial Shows Pine Bark Naturally Reduces Knee Osteoarthritis

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, is on the rise. A new study published in the August journal of Phytotherapy Research, reveals Pycnogenol, bark extract from the French maritime pine tree, reduced overall knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms by 20.9 percent and lowered pain by 40.3 percent. To date, this is the third clinical trial on osteoarthritis treatment with Pycnogenol.

Amgen And Wyeth Statement On The FDA Safety Announcement Regarding Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Blockers

Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth (NYSE: WYE), issued a statement in response to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety announcement regarding opportunistic fungal infections in patients treated with Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) blockers [marketed as Remicade^ (infliximab), Enbrel^ (etanercept), Humira^ (adalimumab) and Cimzia^ (certolizumab pegol)].

Logical Therapeutics Inc. Commences Double-Blind, Randomized Study Of Their Lead Program, LT-NS001

Logical Therapeutics, Inc., announced the commencement of its double-blind, randomized, active-controlled, multinational study of LT-NS001, a novel prodrug, which is converted in the bloodstream to naproxen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs are the most common medications taken worldwide for the treatment of pain, inflammation, fever and arthritis, including both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA).

Asian-Americans, Blacks More Skeptical Of Joint Replacement Surgery Than Whites, Study Finds

Blacks and Asian-Americans perceive joint replacement surgery as a riskier procedure than whites do, according to a study published in the August issue of the Journal of Rheumatology, Reuters Health reports. For the study, lead researcher Rajiv Ghandi of the

Osteoarthritis Not Relieved By Knee Surgery

In what has been described as a landmark study, scientists in Canada have found that a routine knee operation undergone by many patients with osteoarthritis does not relieve joint pain or improve knee function. The study was the work of researchers at the The University of Western Ontario and Lawson Health Research Institute, both in London, Ontario, Canada, and appears in the September 11th issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, NEJM.

Landmark Study Finds Popular Surgery Provides No Relief For Osteoarthritis Of The Knee

A landmark study conducted in London, Canada at The University of Western Ontario and Lawson Health Research Institute shows that a routinely practiced knee surgery is ineffective at reducing joint pain or improving joint function for sufferers of osteoarthritis. The study appears in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Clinicians Debate Use Of Arthroscopy In Patients With Osteoarthritis

In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) issue of Sept. 11, 2008, investigators concluded that arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee provides no additional benefit to optimized physical and medical therapy. In an accompanying editorial, however, Robert G. Marx, M.D.

Survival Instincts Propel 'Difficult Patient' To Insist On Quality Care

Michelle Mayer had to become a "difficult patient" before she could get her physicians to accurately diagnose the disease that was destroying her health. And once the diagnosis was made, she had to continue to be what many physicians describe as "difficult" before she could get the best treatment for scleroderma, a chronic autoimmune disease in which hardening of the skin is a major element.

Psychological Therapies Ease Arthritis Pain

Arthritis sufferers can alleviate their pain by using mental imagery and hypnotherapy. This is the finding of Bryan Bennett and colleagues from Bangor University who presented their findings on the11 September 2008, at The British Psychological Society's Division of Health Psychology Annual Conference held at the University of Bath. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive and disabling auto-immune disease affecting 0.8% of the UK adult population.

Gender Differences In Experience Of Rheumatism

Rheumatoid arthritis is often a more painful experience for women than it is for men, even though the visible symptoms are the same. Scientists are now saying that doctors should take more account of these subjective differences when assessing the need for medication. This and other findings are being presented at a congress currently in progress on gender medicine arranged by Karolinska Institutet.

Physical Therapy As Effective As Arthroscopic Knee Surgery, New Research Finds

A new study questioning the usefulness of arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee should encourage patients to consider physical therapy as an effective non-surgical option, according to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).

Canakinumab (ACZ885), A New Biological Drug In Development, Shows Potential In Treating The Most Severe Form Of Arthritis In Children

Canakinumab (ACZ885), a fully human monoclonal antibody currently in development to treat a wide range of autoinflammatory diseases, has been shown to rapidly control the disease's symptoms in children affected by Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA)1 with fever and arthritis, a kind of juvenile arthritis where interleukin-1 plays a pivotal role in the majority of patients causing inflammation and tissue destruction.

Funding From The NIH For Multiple Disease-Related Research

Stephen Smiley, Ph.D., a member of the scientific faculty at the Trudeau Institute, whose research could lead to new treatments for several common diseases, has been awarded a research grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for nearly $2 million. Dr. Smiley and members of his laboratory are working to develop treatments for a number of diseases where an abnormal activation of blood coagulation pathways causes damage to the body.

2008 World Congress On Osteoarthritis

2008 World Congress on Osteoarthritis. September 18 - 21, 2008 Rome Marriott Park Hotel Rome, Italy. 2009 OARSI World Congress has an exciting programe featuring speakers from around the world. This year's opening-day session will feature plenary sessions devoted to a comprehensive overview of current clinical trials for osteoarthritis, outcomes, and the current exciting basic science that fuels the endeavor to make a difference in patients' lives.

Out Of Joint

As America's Baby Boomers jog into the 21st century, joint pain from the most common form of arthritis continues to be a number one disabler. Until now, there has been no way to diagnose the disease until it reaches an advanced stage, after both irreversible joint damage and severe symptoms have already set in. A new diagnostic technique from Tel Aviv University and New York University may keep Baby Boomers running through their golden years.

Emisphere Announces Recruitment Phase III Study For Oral Osteoarthritis Treatment

Emisphere Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: EMIS) announced that Novartis Pharma AG and Nordic Bioscience have completed recruitment for a multi-center Phase III study exploring the safety and efficacy of an oral formulation of salmon calcitonin using Emisphere's proprietary Eligen Technology to treat patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Prevalence Is Lower Among Asians And Higher Among American Indians, Compared With Blacks And Whites In The U.S.

Decision Resources, one of the world's leading research and advisory firms focusing on pharmaceutical and healthcare issues, finds that in the U.S. rheumatoid arthritis prevalence is lower among Asians and higher among American Indians, compared with the prevalence among Blacks and Whites. The new analytics tool entitled PatientFinder: Rheumatoid Arthritis also reveals that rheumatoid arthritis prevalence in the U.S. varies by how urban or rural the population is.

Discovery Of New Drug Target For Inflammatory Disease By UC Davis Researchers

UC Davis researchers have defined a cellular process that promotes inflammation and, at the same time, found an important starting point for identifying and testing new drugs for diseases such as sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease and some cancers.

Data Supports Safety Record Of ENBREL(R) As Continuous Therapy In Children And Adolescents With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Wyeth announced study results from last week's 15th Paediatric Rheumatology European Congress (PRES) in London which highlight the safety record of etanercept (ENBREL(R)) as a continuous therapy in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).(1) The study was designed to evaluate the safety of ENBREL in children with polyarticular or systemic JIA.

Chronic Hepatitis C Infection In A Patient With Bone Marrow Hypoplasia

HCV is acquired by intravenous drug abuse, sexually or via blood transfusion (rare nowadays due to the effective screening of blood products before transfusion). HCV is known to cause chronic infection in 80% - 90% of the patients becoming infected. Patients present with varying degrees of altered liver function ranging from mild cirrhosis to necrosis (liver cell death).

Working Environment Is One Cause Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

It has long been known that environmental factors play a part in the development of rheumatoid arthritis; smoking and drinking alcohol, along with heredity, are particularly instrumental in increasing the risk of the disease. Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have now produced results that suggest that working environment factors can also increase the chances of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Occupational Therapy Gets People With Osteoarthritis Moving

Physical activity is the cornerstone of any healthy lifestyle - and especially for people with osteoarthritis as exercise helps maintain good joint health, manage their symptoms, and prevent functional decline. Osteoarthritis, however, often makes physical activity, such as exercise, and even performing daily activities, a challenge.

Pain Is Not A Symptom Of Arthritis, Pain Causes Arthritis: New Study

Pain is more than a symptom of osteoarthritis, it is an inherent and damaging part of the disease itself, according to a study published today in journal Arthritis and Rheumatism. More specifically, the study revealed that pain signals originating in arthritic joints, and the biochemical processing of those signals as they reach the spinal cord, worsen and expand arthritis.

Supplements No Better Than Placebo In Slowing Cartilage Loss In Knees Of Osteoarthritis Patients

In a two-year multicenter study led by University of Utah doctors, the dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate performed no better than placebo in slowing the rate of cartilage loss in the knees of osteoarthritis patients. This was an ancillary study concurrently conducted on a subset of the patients who were enrolled in the prospective, randomized GAIT (Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial).