1/11/10 Since 1998, eight biologic response modifiers, known as biologics, have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for inflammatory forms of arthritis. Biologics are genetically engineered medications made from living organisms that are then used to treat humans. Two biologics were approved in 2009, and several more are in various stages of development and clinical testing. Some of these agents that hold promise as future arthritis treatments include:
• Baminnercept (BG9924), an agent in development for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus, which targets lymphotoxin-beta, a component on the surface of cells that signals the inflammatory process to begin.
• Denosumab (AMG 162), which targets RANK ligand, a protein involved in the development of bony erosions in RA and bone loss in osteoporosis.
• Ofatumumab (HuMax-CD20), an infused biologic designed to reduce the number of B cells, which may decrease disease activity in RA
• Belimumab (Benlysta), which inhibits the activity of B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLys), a protein that causes B cells to grow in number and perhaps produce antibodies. Belimumab is in development for lupus as well as RA.
• Canakinumab (Ilaris), which targets the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). Approved for a rare autoimmune disorder called cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS), canakinumab is currently in clinical trials for RA and JIA.
• Fostamatinib disodium, an agent that works by blocking the effects of a protein called syk kinase, which helps B-cells to mature. Fostamatinib disodium is in clinical trials for RA.
• Masitinib, which inhibits the activity of mast cells, which become activated and contribute to joint inflammation in RA. Masitinib is taken orally and has been in clinical trials for RA.
Be well...Karen
I have psoriatic arthritis, and have been on Humira for several years; my arthritis was not responsive to other drugs, and I was allergic to some as well. Humira has been unbelievably effective, practically overnight. I give myself an injection 2x a month. That's it. However, my insurance DOES cover it; if I ever lose coverage, it will be a steep price to pay, as generics will not likely be available for many years, if ever. But it is a remarkably effective treatment, at least in my case. Good luck!
thank you,
Devron
Christina, you should be able to get some type of assistance along with your doctor writing a letter for you that you require to be on Enbrel or any other type of medication they want you to take. If you go on the internet and research all the drug manufacturers who develop the medications, they most probably with assist you in receiving your meds. Just as long as you qualify for assistance within your yearly income. It's your W2 or social security which will determine your qualifications. It's all about money and how much you earn.
So give it a try. Good Luck and feel well.
My daughter had been on many biologics for JIA and then was diagnosed with AS. So her doctor prescribed golimumab, a newer biologic. She has done well with this - her pain from AS is virtually gone. Many pharmaceutical companies have programs to help people who cannot afford their medicine. Sometimes they even have programs where the first several months are free of cost to the patient. Do research on www.arthritis.org, speak with your doctor, and check out the websites of the pharmaceutical companies. Don't give up, and good luck!
I do believe that the drug was helpful to me at the outset, since I was bedridden by RA. The four hour infusions are very tough, however, and the amount of blood drawn for the clinical trial records is enough to make you weak. By the end of a year and a half, the infusions put me to bed for a day after feeling very toxic and affected my moods.
I say all this not to scare others away, but rather to give a realistic image of my experience. I was not adequately prepared by the clinician, but truthfully I was too sick in the beginning to care. Later, though, I began to believe that my experience was not to be considered normal but I was not able to get a square answer from the clinicians. After I quit the study, the doctor informed me that there is a stroke/heart attack increased risk for those at increased risk anyway.
Don't let my words stop you from joining this clinical trial especially if you are as desperate as I was. However, you have to BE YOU OWN ADVOCATE. Keep some sort of notebook of your visits and your reactions. Really, you'll be helping the study and yourself.
Good luck.
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