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The European Commission has approved upadacitinib for treating giant cell arteritis (GCA) in adults. This marks the first oral JAK inhibitor approved for GCA in the EU. Backed by the findings from the phase III SELECT-GCA trial, upadacitinib offers a new option for managing this chronic inflammatory disease in adults.
In this edition of our Future Leaders series, we speak with Dr. Santhanam Sham, a rising star in rheumatology. As a Senior Consultant at Kauvery Hospitals, Chennai, Dr. Sham is dedicated to advancing research on autoimmune diseases like SLE and vasculitis, while also fostering patient-centric care and embracing cutting-edge medical technologies.
The IMPACT-PLuS long-term follow-up trial found that children who underwent peanut oral immunotherapy in the earlier IMPACT trial maintained significant changes in their allergen-specific IgE and IgG4 profiles, which could have positive implications for long-term allergy management.
With a career that spans continents, Prof. Dedee Murrell stands out as a global leader in dermatology and a passionate advocate for women in medicine. In this episode, we sit down together to explore her inspiring journey—from her early years in the UK and medical training in the USA to pioneering therapies for some of dermatology’s rarest and underserved conditions in Australia. We also reflect on her recent MDS Lifetime Achievement Award and discuss the value of mentorship, strategies for advancing a career in dermatology and academic medicine, and how to stay at the cutting edge of medical innovation.
Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, where prompt intervention is crucial. Epinephrine sublingual film, a novel prodrug of epinephrine, is being developed to treat Type 1 allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis. In the OASIS study, epinephrine sublingual film demonstrated equal or superior pharmacokinetics compared to intramuscular epinephrine in adult patients with oral allergy syndrome. The film led to rapid symptom resolution, with a median recovery time of 12 minutes. Additionally, stability tests showed that the film remained effective under extreme temperatures and real-world conditions, ensuring its reliability as an emergency treatment for anaphylaxis.
The FDA has approved a 1 mg epinephrine nasal spray for treating type I allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in children over 4 years old, weighing between 15 and 30 kg. This nasal spray offers a needle-free alternative to traditional epinephrine injections, which may be avoided due to fear, especially among children.
New research has shown that infliximab clearance is increased in patients hospitalized with severe ulcerative colitis, potentially leading to a higher risk of underexposure when standard dosing regimens are used. The study, which analyzed infliximab pharmacokinetics in 154 patients with ulcerative colitis, found that patients who were hospitalized exhibited a 35% increase in infliximab clearance compared to outpatients (0.463 L/day vs. 0.339 L/day, p<0.0001). This resulted in subtherapeutic drug levels in the majority of patients from week 2 onwards, with 74% of hospitalized patients having infliximab concentrations below 20 µg/mL at week 2, 69% below 15 µg/mL at week 6, and 56% below 7 µg/mL at week 14.
New findings from the VIVID-2 study, presented at the 20th Congress of ECCO, support the sustained efficacy of mirikizumab, an interleukin-23p19 inhibitor, in patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease previously treated with ustekinumab. In this open-label extension of the Phase III VIVID-1 trial, patients were switched to mirikizumab, with dosing based on their endoscopic response status at week 52 of VIVID-1.
Itolizumab, an investigational anti-CD6 monoclonal antibody, has shown promising results in a phase II clinical trial for patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. Designed to target the CD6-ALCAM pathway, a mechanism implicated in gastrointestinal inflammation, itolizumab was reported to achieve clinical remission rates comparable to adalimumab.
To gain expert insight into the most impactful developments of the past year and the trends set to shape the next, we reached out to our esteemed expert faculty. From advances in targeted therapies to the integration of AI and steps towards precision medicine, here’s what our experts had to say.
Medics4RareDiseases is evolving. We are excited to announce a refresh of our strategy, a relaunch of our branding and even a new name! The charity has grown beyond our highest expectations over the last five years. With this in ...
A globally recognized allergologist specializing in urticaria, drug allergies, and angioedema, Professor Luis FC Ensina has significantly advanced clinical care, research, and education. As a Professor at the Federal University of São Paulo and coordinator of its specialized outpatient clinic, he leads Alergoalpha, a Center of Excellence for UCARE, ACARE, and ADCARE, where he has overseen over 20 clinical trials and authored more than 100 publications. A founder of the Brazilian Urticaria Network (RUBRA) and co-author of international urticaria guidelines, he has played a pivotal role in shaping global standards for allergy care. Active in organizations such as GA2LEN, AAAAI, and EAACI, he highlights the transformative potential of emerging therapies, gene therapy, and artificial intelligence to redefine allergy and immunology practice worldwide.
Prof. Paul Fockens, recipient of the 2024 UEG Lifetime Achievement Award, has profoundly shaped the field of gastrointestinal endoscopy. From pioneering techniques like endoscopic ultrasound to advancing colorectal cancer screening and minimally invasive surgeries, his transformative contributions have improved patient care globally. A dedicated mentor and leader, Prof. Fockens has also championed education and innovation through his work with UEG and beyond."
Join us as we unveil the content that made the greatest impact in 2024. From insightful Q&As and news articles to engaging podcasts, conference highlights, and medical education resources, this year has been filled with valuable content designed to support your daily practice and, ultimately, enhance patient care.
Recent advancements made in understanding the pathology of inflammatory skin conditions have enabled JAK inhibitors, initially developed for haematology over 20 years ago, to be investigated for dermatological use. In this episode, Dr William (Bill) Damsky discusses JAK inhibitors’ journey from proof-of-concept to treating a wide range of skin conditions, their future impact on rare diseases and the debate around safety.
Immuno-oncology is at the heart of Dr Hassan Abushukair’s inspiring journey from Jordan to the USA. A rising star in the field, Hassan combines clinical expertise and bioinformatics to unravel the immune system’s role in cancer, advancing precision medicine. With over 20 publications and prestigious awards, he is paving the way for innovative therapies while championing mentorship and patient-centred research.
Each year, the United European Gastroenterology (UEG) organisation awards a prestigious €50,000 Research Prize to recognise excellence in basic science, translational, or clinical research. This award supports future innovative scientific projects from inception to completion, emphasizing their transformative potential to enhance patient care. This year’s recipient, Dr. Enrique de-Madaria, Gastroenterologist and Coordinator of the Biliary-Pancreatic Unit at Dr. Balmis Hospital in Alicante, Spain, has been honoured for his groundbreaking work in fluid resuscitation for acute pancreatitis. Over the past decade, his multicentre studies—bolstered by national and international collaborations—have redefined clinical practice and established new standards of care.
IgG4-RD is a rare, chronic, relapsing condition characterized by fibroinflammatory lesions rich in CD19+ B cells, which can damage multiple organ systems and lead to organ failure.1 With no approved therapies, glucocorticoids are the primary treatment, but their long-term use is associated with adverse effects and inadequate disease control.1
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