Tag: Autoimmune Disease

COVID-19 associated with increased risk for autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases up to a year after infection

sarah JonasResearch Results

A large, binational study found that SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with an increased risk for autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIRDs) that extends up to 12 months after infection. The risk was found to be higher with greater severity of acute COVID-19, even among those who were vaccinated. These findings suggest that care strategies for patients who survive COVID-19 should pay close attention to manifestations of AIRD, particularly after severe illness. The study is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Researchers identify new choice of therapy for rare autoimmune disease EGPA

sarah JonasResearch Results

An international team, including researchers from McMaster University and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, has identified a new therapeutic for patients with a rare autoimmune disease called eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). A biologic drug called benralizumab has been shown to be non-inferior to mepolizumab in the treatment of EGPA.

Faster progression of multiple sclerosis associated with newly identified genetic variant

sarah JonasResearch Alert

In a new study of more than 22,000 people with multiple sclerosis (MS), an international team identified for the first time a genetic variant associated with faster progression of the disease and accumulation of disability. Despite the development of effective…

New Study: Abatacept Therapy Offers Promising Results Treating Juvenile Dermatomyositis

sarah JonasResearch Results

Juvenile dermatomyositis, a rare but often severe and chronic systemic autoimmune disease, includes a large number of patients who are treatment resistant, requiring long term immunosuppressive therapy. A small open-label study published in Arthritis and Rheumatology shows promise using a targeted biologic therapy called abatacept to treat such patients.

Genetic variation that protected against Black Death still helps against respiratory diseases today, but increases autoimmune disease risks

sarah JonasResearch Results

The same genetics that helped some of our ancestors fight the plague is still likely to be at work in our bodies today, potentially providing some of the population with extra protection against respiratory diseases such as COVID-19. However, there is a trade-off, where this same variation is also linked to increased autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Cedars-Sinai Investigators ID Gene Critical to Human Immune Response

sarah JonasResearch Results

Cedars-Sinai investigators have identified a gene that plays an essential role in the innate human immune system. The gene, NLRP11, helps activate the inflammatory response that tells the body’s white blood cells to go on the attack against a foreign presence.

Researchers Identify Potential Target for Treating Autoimmune Diseases

sarah JonasResearch Results

New research using a mouse model for multiple sclerosis has uncovered a potential new area to explore for possible treatments for autoimmune disorders.

Einstein-Developed Treatment Strategy May Lead to HIV Cure

sarah JonasResearch Results

Armed with a novel strategy they developed for bolstering the body’s immune response, scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have successfully suppressed HIV infections in mice—offering a path to a functional cure for HIV and other chronic viral infections. Their findings were published today in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Harnessing the Power of Proteins in our Cells to Combat Disease

sarah JonasResearch Results

A lab on UNLV’s campus has been a hub of activity in recent years, playing a significant role in a new realm of drug discovery — one that could potentially provide a solution for patients who have run out of options.

Targeting T cell protein could prevent type 1 diabetes, study suggests

sarah JonasResearch Results

Researchers at the University of Utah School of Medicine have identified a new therapeutic target to treat patients with type 1 diabetes. The study, which will be published December 9 in the Journal of Experimental Medicine (JEM), reveals that inhibiting a protein called OCA-B protects mice from type 1 diabetes by limiting the activity of immune cells that would otherwise destroy the pancreas’ insulin-producing β cells.

With Close Monitoring Throughout, Safe Pregnancy is Possible for Women with Interstitial Lung Disease

sarah JonasResearch Results

A new study shows that women with interstitial lung disease (ILD) related to autoimmune disease may not need to terminate their pregnancies provided they have close monitoring from their team of multidisciplinary physicians before, during and after pregnancy. Results of the research was presented at ACR Convergence, the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting.

Prominent Rheumatologist to Create Scleroderma Program at Kao Institute

sarah JonasAnnouncement

Nationally recognized rheumatology expert Francesco Boin, MD, has been appointed director of the division of Rheumatology and director of the new Scleroderma Program at Cedars-Sinai. Boin is an accomplished and widely published investigator of autoimmune diseases, with a reputation for clinical excellence and a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.

Vasculitis Foundation’s Young Investigator Award Goes to Monash University Research Fellow

sarah JonasAnnouncement

Dragana Odobasic, PhD, a research fellow at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, was awarded the Vasculitis Foundation’s (VF) “Dr. Chris Cox-Marinelli Young Investigator Award” in May for her study, Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells for Antigen-Specific Immunosuppression in MPO-ANCA Vasculitis. The award, a one-year grant totaling $49,822, was created in memory of Chris Cox-Marinelli, MD, who was a strong advocate for promoting the development of junior investigators toward a career in vasculitis.

ACR Releases Position Statement on Prior Authorization

sarah JonasPolicy

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has released an official position statement concerning prior authorization for the approval of prescription medications, highlighting the significant burdens it creates for patients and rheumatology professionals. This process can result in a significant delay of care or treatments, treatment abandonment and potential harm to patients.

Henry Ford Health System Receives $25 Million Gift, Largest Single Donation in its History

sarah JonasAnnouncement

Nationally-known developer Chris Jeffries and his wife Lisa have donated $25 million to Henry Ford Health System, the largest single gift from an individual in the health system’s 105-year history. This historic gift will rapidly accelerate the growth and expansion of Henry Ford’s Precision Medicine program, with the ultimate goal of creating a Precision Health Center. The efforts will have a robust focus on the advancement of cancer research and treatment, while also expanding to other medical specialties treating behavioral health, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

AARDA Partners with AutoimmuneMom

sarah JonasAnnouncement

Detroit, MI (January 30, 2019) – The American Autoimmune Related Disease Association (AARDA) is thrilled to announce our new partnership with AutoimmuneMom. For the last seven+ years, AutoimmuneMom has created a digital community through the hard work and dedication of Katie Cleary. Now, AARDA will proudly host the content that has brought together people with autoimmune disease through stories of how autoimmune disease impacts motherhood and pregnancy, general autoimmune information, personal stories, and doctor recommendations. AutoimmuneMom will continue to maintain its social media presence, but all website content will be hosted on AARDA.org.

AARDA Appoints Randall Rutta President and CEO

sarah JonasAnnouncement

The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA), a nonprofit education and advocacy organization dedicated to the eradication of autoimmune diseases, appointed Randall Rutta as President and CEO. Rutta succeeds founder and long-time President and Executive Director Virginia Ladd, who will now serve as Advisor to the President following a nearly 30-year run with the organization.