Content about Arthritis

BRUSSELS — Patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis who respond to 12 weeks of treatment with a drug made by UCB are more likely to show improvement in their condition in the long run, according to results of a study published in the Journal of Rheumatology.

REDFORD, Mich. — Nature's Health Connection said its over-the-counter pain-relief cream has garnered record retail sales.

Sales for Australian Dream — a Food and Drug Administration-approved odorless, greaseless, dye-free and capsaicin-free cream — increased more than 145%, according to the company. Nature's Health Connection attributed the sales spike to a 30-second television commercial. 

Australian Dream is designed to treat minor aches and pains associated with osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other muscle ailments.

EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Savient said its newest drug is the first and only therapy available to treat chronic gout in adult patients refractory to conventional therapy.

The drug maker announced the U.S. commercial launch of Krystexxa (pegloticase).

BURLINGTON, Mass. — Biotech drugs will help drive the markets for acute and chronic gout through 2019, according to a new report by market research firm Decision Resources.

The report, titled “Acute and Chronic Gout — New Agents Target Refractory Patients and Tap Market Opportunity,” found that the acute gout drug market would triple in size to $117 million, while the chronic gout market would reach $1.83 billion.

EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. Drug maker Savient Pharmaceuticals will begin shipping its treatment for chronic gout to specialty distributors at the end of this month, Savient said.

The company announced that it would begin shipping Krystexxa (pegloticase) on Nov. 30, and it would become available for prescription on Dec. 1.

HORSHAM, Pa. The biotech division of Johnson & Johnson is hoping to expand the use of a treatment for autoimmune disorders.

Centocor Ortho Biotech said it had filed an application with the Food and Drug Administration to get approval for Simponi (golimumab) to stop the progression of structural damage, induce major clinical response, maintain reductions in signs and symptoms, and improve physical function in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

PITTSBURGH The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic arthritis treatment made by Mylan, the drug maker said Wednesday.

The FDA approved nabumetone tablets, a treatment for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, in the 500 mg and 750-mg strengths.

WASHINGTON The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Arthritis Foundation in early February announced a major initiative to dramatically reduce the impact of osteoarthritis on Americans. In conjunction with the announcement, the Arthritis Foundation and the Ad Council are unveiling a national public awareness campaign in response to the recommendations outlined in the action plan, "A National Public Health Agenda for Osteoarthritis."