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Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who receive pedometers may be more active and feel less fatigued even if they are not told to use the trackers to aim for a specific number of steps, a small study suggests.

All 96 study participants had rheumatoid arthritis, an immune system disorder that causes debilitating swelling and pain in the joints. Researchers randomly assigned patients to get a pedometer with or without a daily step goal, or to get only educational brochures with advice on becoming more active.

After 21 weeks, all of people with pedometers were walking more on average each day: 1,441 additional steps without a step goal and 1,656 extra steps with a goal. But the patients who didnt get pedometers actually got 747 fewer steps a day on average by the end of the study.

Patients with pedometers reported statistically meaningful declines in fatigue during the study, but people who only got education did not.

We found that increasing activity just through walking decreased fatigue, said lead study author Dr. Patricia Katz of the University of California, San Francisco.

Most of us probably dont realize how inactive we are until we start measuring our daily activity, Katz said by email. Having a concrete goal, such as the number of daily steps, seems to help people become and stay active.

Every patient received the same educational brochure at the start. In the two groups that received pedometers, all of the participants were asked to keep a daily diary to record how many steps they logged.

For one group with pedometers, researchers also assessed their activity levels at the start of the study and set goals for them to increase their average daily steps by 10 percent every two weeks.

At the start of the study, participants were 54 years old on average and were typically getting about 4,891 steps a day, which researchers classified as sedentary. Very few of them were getting at least 8,000 steps a day, which the researchers say is a healthy activity level.

Beyond its small size, another limitation of the study is that researchers lacked data on how often participants wore the devices, which makes it difficult to get an accurate daily step count, the authors note in Arthritis Care and Research.

Its also possible that the pedometer groups might not have improved as much if they hadnt also been recording their steps in a daily diary, which increases their engagement with the effort to be more active, said Dr. Mitesh Patel, a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia who wasnt involved in the study.

Research indicates that for most people, pedometers and wearable devices are more likely to help change health behaviors if they are combined with an engagement strategy, Patel said by email.

Generally, pedometers are most useful for people who are sedentary and unaware of their own level of inactivity, said Dr. Lucas Carr, a physiology researcher at the University of Iowa who wasnt involved in the study.

This relatively simple intervention helped a very sedentary group of rheumatoid arthritis patients increase their activity at a level that is considered clinically significant, Carr said by email. The largest health benefits are realized when an individual changes from doing nothing to doing something.

While the study included only people with rheumatoid arthritis, its possible pedometers might be useful for people with other chronic medical problems, said Dr. David Geier, an orthopedic surgeon sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina who wasnt involved in the study.

It seems reasonable to think they could help stimulate activity, Geier said by email. Physical activity would be helpful for almost everyone.

More here:
Pedometers tied to less fatigue for rheumatoid arthritis patients - Geo.tv - Geo News, Pakistan

(CBS News/AP) -

Drug company Eli Lilly says their much-awaited pill forrheumatoid arthritishas been rejected by the Food and Drug Administration. Its the companys second drug development setback since November.

A letter to the company from the FDAsaid that they needed more information about baricitinibs safety and the best doses, Lilly said Friday in a statement.

The drugmaker disagrees with FDAs conclusions but will work with the agency on a plan to eventually get baracitinib approved for U.S. patients.

In November, Lillys experimental medicinesolanezumabflopped in a closely watched test in patients with mildAlzheimers diseaseafter already failing in patients with more advanced Alzheimers.

The arthritis drug, which has the proposed brand name Olumiant and was approved for use in Europe in February, was expected to be a big seller in part because most other new rheumatoid arthritis drugs are injected, making them less appealing for patients.

We are disappointed with this action, said Christi Shaw, president of the Lilly division that developed the drug, in the companys statement, adding that the company remains confident in the drugs ability to safely treat moderate and severe rheumatoid arthritis.

About 23 million people worldwide -- three-fourths of them women -- have rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder that happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks a persons own body tissues. The chronic disorder causes painful swelling and progressive destruction of joints, which can leave them deformed and, in severe cases, lead to disability. It can also damage other body parts, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels.

Rheumatoid arthritiscan strike at any age, but typically begins between the ages of 40 and 60, and if someone in your family has had it, your odds for the condition may be higher.

Eli Lilly & Co. and Incyte Corp., its partner in developing baracitinib, applied for FDA approval of the drug in January 2016. Normally the review process takes 10 months, but this January, FDA said it needed three additional months to review more information. Still, drug industry analysts as recently as this week were advising clients that approval of baracitinib was likely.

Despite the setback, Lilly reaffirmed its 2017 financial forecasts Friday, for earnings per share of $2.69 to $2.79, excluding one-time items, and revenue between $21.8 billion and $22.3 billion. It said Incyte, which is based in Wilimington, Delaware, was evaluating the rejections impact on its position and would update investors when it reports first-quarter results, likely in mid-May. Lilly is expected to report its quarterly results on April 25.

2017 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Excerpt from:
FDA rejects drugmaker's much-anticipated arthritis pill - | WBTV ... - WBTV

LINDA A. JOHNSON, AP Medical Writer 1:09 p.m. ET April 14, 2017

Eli Lilly made the list.(Photo: Joe Vitti/IndyStar)Buy Photo

Eli Lilly said U.S. regulators have rejected its much-anticipated pill for the immune disorder rheumatoid arthritis, the drugmakers second drug development setback since November.

The Food and Drug Administration said in a letter to the company that it needed more information about the drugs safety and the best doses, Lilly said Friday in a statement.

Lilly said it disagrees with FDAs conclusions but will work with the agency on a plan to eventually get the drug, baracitinib, approved for U.S. patients.

In November, Lillys experimental medicine solanezumab flopped in a closely watched test in patients with mild Alzheimers disease, after having already failed in testing in patients with more advanced Alzheimers.

The arthritis drug, which has the proposed brand name Olumiant and was approved for use in Europe in February, was expected to be a big seller in part because most other new rheumatoid arthritis drugs are injected, making them less appealing for patients.

Christi Shaw, president of the Lilly division that developed the drug, said the company remains confident in the drugs ability to safely treat moderate and severe rheumatoid arthritis.

About 23 million people worldwide, three-fourths of them women, have rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic disorder in which the immune system attacks the bodys tissues. It causes painful swelling and progressive destruction of joints, which can leave them deformed and, in severe cases, lead to disability. It can also damage other body parts, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels.

Eli Lilly & Co. and Incyte Corp., its partner in developing baracitinib, applied for FDA approval of the drug in January 2016. Normally the review process takes 10 months, but this January, FDA said it needed three additional months to review more information. Still, drug industry analysts as recently as this week were advising clients that approval of baracitinib was likely.

Despite the setback, Lilly reaffirmed its 2017 financial forecasts Friday, for earnings per share of $2.69 to $2.79, excluding one-time items, and revenue between $21.8 billion and $22.3 billion. It said Incyte, which is based in Wilimington, Delaware, was evaluating the rejections impact on its position and would update investors when it reports first-quarter results, likely in mid-May. Lilly is expected to report its quarterly results on April 25.

Read or Share this story: http://indy.st/2pf6Ruj

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Feds reject Lilly's rheumatoid arthritis pill - Indianapolis Star

Lifestyle HEALTH LINES: Arthritis common condition, but not easily understood by all

WILLIAM PILLOW

Arthritis is a condition that is very common, but not well understood by most. It is not a single disease. There are actually more than 100 types of arthritis.

More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children have some type of arthritis. It is more common in women and is the leading cause of disability in America. Common arthritis complaints are joint pain, swelling and stiffness.

Inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid, lupus) is an overreaction of the bodys immune system. The body attacks the cartilage and destroys it. Metabolic joint disease (gout) occurs when crystals are deposited in the joints and cause acute pain. These are best treated by a primary care physician, nurse practitioner or specialist (rheumatologist) with medications and changes in diet. Blood tests are often used in the diagnosis.

Osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis) is the most common type. Cartilage is the thick cushioning surface on the ends of bones. With time this cartilage can wear down (thinning/mild arthritis) and progress to the point where bone rubs on bone (severe arthritis).

Orthopaedic Sports Medicine has significantly advanced the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis. As a physician at NEO Sports Medicine, I am often asked when someone should seek medical treatment. Anyone in their teenage years or younger with a joint that stays swollen for more than a few days should be seen urgently to rule out cartilage damage or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Mild non-traumatic joint pain in someone 30 or older can start initial treatment with weight loss, anti-inflammatory medication (Aleve, Advil, Tylenol), and reasonable exercise that does not cause pain. Primary care physicians can prescribe stronger anti-inflammatories.

If this does not provide relief, a referral to an orthopaedist is the next step. Patients should not assume an appointment means imminent surgery. X-rays will give the doctor a good idea of the condition of the joint. At NEO Sports Medicine, physicians look at the whole person not just a joint. Many times a course of physical therapy to strengthen the muscles (the shock absorbers of a joint) will help. A steroid injection into the joint can also provide relief. Braces can also be used on a short-term basis to give the joint a rest.

Joint pain is not always arthritis. Torn cartilage can often be repaired with an outpatient arthroscopic surgery using a small camera that is quite minor. An MRI can be helpful to get a better picture of the joint. For major joint damage that has failed conservative treatment, a joint replacement can provide life-changing relief. Replacements are available for the knee, hip, shoulder and even finger joints.

Modern joint replacements are now meant to last longer than 15 years and can allow patients to get back to a more active lifestyle. My partners and I provide accurate diagnoses and seek to exhaust all forms of conservative treatment. If surgery is indicated, we provide minimally invasive joint surgery to get patients back to the lifestyle they desire.

Dr. William Pillow is an orthopedic surgeon at North East Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.

Read the original here:
HEALTH LINES: Arthritis common condition, but not easily ... - Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal

Sandra Quinn Journalist and editor living with psoriatic arthritis

I SUFFER FROM psoriatic arthritis. Its a bit of a pain, literally, and often decides to flare up at the most inconvenient times.

It is the best form of arthritis to have in fairness, as it is not degenerative. It can be treated effectively with weekly injections, steroids, medication to prevent stomach ulcers, pain killers, anti-inflammatories and a host of other things.

My diagnosis

I was diagnosed when I was in college at the age of 19.It is a dehabilitating and life-long auto-immune disease, which when flared up causes severe pain, swelling and reduced mobility in my major joints, with my hips, spine, shoulders and knees being the worst affected.

The disease is relatively well controlled through a strict cocktail of daily maintenance drugs and weekly injections. Then for the flare-ups, which are unpredictable in nature, severity and duration, there are stronger medications, such as painkillers, anaesthetic topical patches (like plasters), anti-inflammatories, steroids and more.

It is very much an invisible illness because I look and appear to be fine and while I may be in a lot of pain, I would often still try to be in good form.

People often tell me I seem fine, not realising that they only see me when Im well enough to be seen. If I am really bad and in a lot of pain, I will be at home in bed hiding away from the world.

Managing flare ups

So, when it flares up, I have a list (its intimidatingly long to be frank) with a secondary bag of medication to match, which I can refer to and there are stages and steps to follow.

I have been going through the motions of the first steps since last week and all was going according to plan-ish, until I woke at 5am on Saturday (never a good sign) and had an upset stomach and bouts of vomiting from the severe waves of pain coming over me.

As it was a Saturday and my own GP practice was closed, I rang SouthDoc and got great medical advice and help. But as they were in Mallow and I was in Rockchapel (both in Cork, but a good 40-minute drive away from each other), it was not practical for me to go there, with the possibility of then having to go onto Limerick to the hospital.

I rang my own GP and left messages. Then I rang the assigned 24 hour rheumatology nurse specialist, then the rheumatology secretary and then the hospital itself.

No service available until Monday

The upshot of all those calls and chasing people was that there is no rheumatologist on call and the service is not available until Monday.

Armed with that knowledge, I assessed what SouthDoc had told me and started a process of self-medication and dosage.

The options were to self-medicate in the comfort of my own home or go to hospital, where they would only be able to give me pain relief, but nothing to treat the direct source of the flare up, without consulting a rheumatologist.

So, I ask you, is it fair or right that anyone with a severe illness or disability has to schedule their flare ups to tie in with the supposed schedule of Monday to Friday, 9 to 5, within business hours service of specialist care?

Its unacceptable

I think this story will evolve quite a lot, as it is clearly unacceptable in this day and age to only have access to vital medical experts and services within regular business hours.

I appreciate that people need time off and that services have wind down times, but the health system should not be one of those un-manned areas.

Sandra Quinn is a journalist and editor. Shes from Cork and lives in Limerick. Youll find her personal blog over onwww.quinnsquandries.blogspot.ie, while her work has been published in daily and weekly local, regional and national publications.

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Psoriatic arthritis: 'It is very much an invisible illness because I look and appear fine' - thejournal.ie

Drug company Eli Lilly says their much-awaited pill for rheumatoid arthritis has been rejected by the Food and Drug Administration. Its the companys second drug development setback since November.

A letter to the company from the FDA said that they needed more information about baricitinibs safety and the best doses, Lilly said Friday in a statement.

The drugmaker disagrees with FDAs conclusions but will work with the agency on a plan to eventually get baracitinib approved for U.S. patients.

In November, Lillys experimental medicine solanezumab flopped in a closely watched test in patients with mild Alzheimers diseaseafter already failing in patients with more advanced Alzheimers.

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An investigation into the cost of prescription drugs reveals huge price hikes over the past five years. Several brand name medications more than ...

The arthritis drug, which has the proposed brand name Olumiant and was approved for use in Europe in February, was expected to be a big seller in part because most other new rheumatoid arthritis drugs are injected, making them less appealing for patients.

We are disappointed with this action, said Christi Shaw, president of the Lilly division that developed the drug, in the companys statement, adding that the company remains confident in the drugs ability to safely treat moderate and severe rheumatoid arthritis.

About 23 million people worldwide -- three-fourths of them women -- have rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder that happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks a persons own body tissues. The chronic disorder causes painful swelling and progressive destruction of joints, which can leave them deformed and, in severe cases, lead to disability. It can also damage other body parts, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels.

Rheumatoid arthritis can strike at any age, but typically begins between the ages of 40 and 60, and if someone in your family has had it, your odds for the condition may be higher.

Eli Lilly & Co. and Incyte Corp., its partner in developing baracitinib, applied for FDA approval of the drug in January 2016. Normally the review process takes 10 months, but this January, FDA said it needed three additional months to review more information. Still, drug industry analysts as recently as this week were advising clients that approval of baracitinib was likely.

Despite the setback, Lilly reaffirmed its 2017 financial forecasts Friday, for earnings per share of $2.69 to $2.79, excluding one-time items, and revenue between $21.8 billion and $22.3 billion. It said Incyte, which is based in Wilimington, Delaware, was evaluating the rejections impact on its position and would update investors when it reports first-quarter results, likely in mid-May. Lilly is expected to report its quarterly results on April 25.

2017 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Read the original:
FDA rejects drugmaker's much-anticipated arthritis pill - CBS News

By TIM TROGLEN Reporter Published: April 16, 2017 12:10 AM

HUDSON -- Paula Phillips will lead her team, "I Give Back," May 13 in the 2017 Walk to Cure Arthritis 5K walk at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

However, Phillips will not only be walking as her team's leader but as a person who has suffered through the torment of arthritis for more than a decade.

In addition, Phillips, of Hudson, will be representing all of Northeast Ohio as the local adult honoree for the annual walk. The organization also honors youth advocates and doctors regionally and locally for their work.

Phillips is being honored for her volunteer work with the foundation after her diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in 1999, according to the foundation.

"I'm just there to give back," said Phillips, who also raises funds on her own and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis more than 17 years ago. "I feel I was born to give back."

The Arthritis Foundation, specifically in Northeast Ohio, raises funds to educate, advocate and provide research for those diagnosed and identified with all the forms of arthritis, according to Phillips.

"Seventeen short years ago, I reached out to the Arthritis Foundation of Northeast Ohio as directed by my rheumatologist, Dr. Rochelle Rosian, at the Cleveland Clinic," Phillips said. "Because of the Arthritis Foundation I have never been alone in my pain and suffering which I am sorry to say does occur."

And while Phillips is walking to raise funds for everyone, her heart especially goes out to the the children who suffer with arthritis.

"It really is all about the kids," Phillips said. "They suffer immeasurably."

Phillip's son, Michael, and her husband, Mike, are members of her 10-member team and will join her on the May 13 walk.

According to Phillips, arthritis is the leading form of disability in the country.

"It's a bad thing," she said.

Phillips was shocked when she received the telephone call stating she had been named adult honoree.

"I was surprised," Phillips said. "I don't like to be the focus of attention when it comes to this [arthritis]."

Phillips said she would like to see more people donate until they cannot give anymore or until it hurts, she said.

"For me, that's what I do," she said.

According to Phillips, giving back is not about her but the children suffering, the doctors working to find a cure, the researchers, therapists working to help increase patient quality of life and nurses who take care of the patients. It's also about those who are creating the medication allowing sufferers to function.

"If it wasn't for that [the medications] I would be in a wheelchair right now," she said of the medications. "When you are sick on this journey, with this, you are really sick."

While Phillips has not been able to volunteer a lot lately with various organizations, she has been active in volunteer circles for years. Phillip's volunteer list included being treasurer of the Hudson PTO, Hudson Garden Club, Laurel Lake Retirement Community and is actively involved in Arthritis Foundation of Northeast Ohio and a member of the Cleveland Walk Committee and the First Congregational Church of Hudson.

Phillips still enjoys gardening when she can but cannot spend as much time tilling and weeding as she did in the past.

"I do it all, every single day, the best that I can do," she said.

Phillips' team will be among the thousands of Northeast Ohioans raising money for the Arthritis Foundation May 13. The Cleveland Zoo walk is a 5K walk with a 1-mile option. There will be a wellness expo, music giveaways and a variety family activities.

The walk begins at 9 a.m. with registration beginning at 7 a.m.

Opening ceremonies will begin at 8:30 a.m.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is located at 3900 Wildlife Way in Cleveland. Event proceeds support the 1.3 million Northeastern Ohioans suffering from arthritis.

Funds support areas such as advocacy and access to care, juvenile arthritis, help and support tools and critical arthritis research conducted at local institutions throughout Northeastern Ohio.

"Arthritis is the number one cause of disability in America--affecting one in every five adults, an estimated 300,000 children and countless families," according to the foundation's webpage. "The Arthritis Foundation's Walk to Cure Arthritis is an annual event that supports our mission to conquer the disease by spreading awareness and raising money for research aimed at finding a cure."

The Cleveland Walk to Cure Arthritis attracts over 2,200 attendees including corporate, community and family teams, as well as individuals from across Northeastern Ohio whose lives have been affected by arthritis, according to the foundation.

To learn more or to find a team visit http://www.arthritis.org/get-involved/walk-to-cure-arthritis.

Email: ttroglen@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-541-9435

Twitter: @Trog_RPC

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Hudson woman Paula Phillips to be adult honoree at 2017 Walk to Cure Arthritis - Hudson Hub-Times

(Reuters Health) - Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who receive pedometers may be more active and feel less fatigued even if they are not told to use the trackers to aim for a specific number of steps, a small study suggests.

All 96 study participants had rheumatoid arthritis, an immune system disorder that causes debilitating swelling and pain in the joints. Researchers randomly assigned patients to get a pedometer with or without a daily step goal, or to get only educational brochures with advice on becoming more active.

After 21 weeks, all of people with pedometers were walking more on average each day: 1,441 additional steps without a step goal and 1,656 extra steps with a goal. But the patients who didnt get pedometers actually got 747 fewer steps a day on average by the end of the study.

Patients with pedometers reported statistically meaningful declines in fatigue during the study, but people who only got education did not.

We found that increasing activity just through walking decreased fatigue, said lead study author Dr. Patricia Katz of the University of California, San Francisco.

Most of us probably dont realize how inactive we are until we start measuring our daily activity, Katz said by email. Having a concrete goal, such as the number of daily steps, seems to help people become and stay active.

Every patient received the same educational brochure at the start. In the two groups that received pedometers, all of the participants were asked to keep a daily diary to record how many steps they logged.

For one group with pedometers, researchers also assessed their activity levels at the start of the study and set goals for them to increase their average daily steps by 10 percent every two weeks.

At the start of the study, participants were 54 years old on average and were typically getting about 4,891 steps a day, which researchers classified as sedentary. Very few of them were getting at least 8,000 steps a day, which the researchers say is a healthy activity level.

Beyond its small size, another limitation of the study is that researchers lacked data on how often participants wore the devices, which makes it difficult to get an accurate daily step count, the authors note in Arthritis Care and Research.

Its also possible that the pedometer groups might not have improved as much if they hadnt also been recording their steps in a daily diary, which increases their engagement with the effort to be more active, said Dr. Mitesh Patel, a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia who wasnt involved in the study.

Research indicates that for most people, pedometers and wearable devices are more likely to help change health behaviors if they are combined with an engagement strategy, Patel said by email.

Generally, pedometers are most useful for people who are sedentary and unaware of their own level of inactivity, said Dr. Lucas Carr, a physiology researcher at the University of Iowa who wasnt involved in the study.

This relatively simple intervention helped a very sedentary group of rheumatoid arthritis patients increase their activity at a level that is considered clinically significant, Carr said by email. The largest health benefits are realized when an individual changes from doing nothing to doing something.

While the study included only people with rheumatoid arthritis, its possible pedometers might be useful for people with other chronic medical problems, said Dr. David Geier, an orthopedic surgeon sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina who wasnt involved in the study.

It seems reasonable to think they could help stimulate activity, Geier said by email. Physical activity would be helpful for almost everyone.

SOURCE: bit.ly/2oHjzBn Arthritis Care and Research, online April 5, 2017.

WASHINGTON The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday declined to approve a new drug for rheumatoid arthritis made by Eli Lilly and Co and partner Incyte Corp, the companies said on Friday.

(Reuters Health) - Spine surgeons are noticing an increase in patients with neck and upper back pain, likely related to poor posture during prolonged smartphone use, according to a recent report.

Continue reading here:
Pedometers tied to less fatigue for rheumatoid arthritis patients ... - Reuters

Eli Lilly said U.S. regulators have rejected its much-anticipated pill for the immune disorder rheumatoid arthritis, the drugmaker's second drug development setback since November.

The Food and Drug Administration said in a letter to the company that it needed more information about the drug's safety and the best doses, Lilly said Friday in a statement.

Lilly said it disagrees with FDA's conclusions but will work with the agency on a plan to eventually get the drug, baracitinib, approved for U.S. patients.

In November, Lilly's experimental medicine solanezumab flopped in a closely watched test in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease, after having already failed in testing in patients with more advanced Alzheimer's.

The arthritis drug, which has the proposed brand name Olumiant and was approved for use in Europe in February, was expected to be a big seller in part because most other new rheumatoid arthritis drugs are injected, making them less appealing for patients.

Christi Shaw, president of the Lilly division that developed the drug, said the company remains confident in the drug's ability to safely treat moderate and severe rheumatoid arthritis.

About 23 million people worldwide, three-fourths of them women, have rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic disorder in which the immune system attacks the body's tissues. It causes painful swelling and progressive destruction of joints, which can leave them deformed and, in severe cases, lead to disability. It can also damage other body parts, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels.

Eli Lilly & Co. and Incyte Corp., its partner in developing baracitinib, applied for FDA approval of the drug in January 2016. Normally the review process takes 10 months, but this January, FDA said it needed three additional months to review more information. Still, drug industry analysts as recently as this week were advising clients that approval of baracitinib was likely.

Despite the setback, Lilly reaffirmed its 2017 financial forecasts Friday, for earnings per share of $2.69 to $2.79, excluding one-time items, and revenue between $21.8 billion and $22.3 billion. It said Incyte, which is based in Wilimington, Delaware, was evaluating the rejection's impact on its position and would update investors when it reports first-quarter results, likely in mid-May. Lilly is expected to report its quarterly results on April 25.

Follow Linda A. Johnson at https://twitter.com/LindaJonPharma .

Read the original here:
Lilly's rheumatoid arthritis pill rejected by regulators - ABC News

Lifestyle HEALTH LINES: Arthritis common condition, but not easily understood by all

WILLIAM PILLOW

Arthritis is a condition that is very common, but not well understood by most. It is not a single disease. There are actually more than 100 types of arthritis.

More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children have some type of arthritis. It is more common in women and is the leading cause of disability in America. Common arthritis complaints are joint pain, swelling and stiffness.

Inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid, lupus) is an overreaction of the bodys immune system. The body attacks the cartilage and destroys it. Metabolic joint disease (gout) occurs when crystals are deposited in the joints and cause acute pain. These are best treated by a primary care physician, nurse practitioner or specialist (rheumatologist) with medications and changes in diet. Blood tests are often used in the diagnosis.

Osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis) is the most common type. Cartilage is the thick cushioning surface on the ends of bones. With time this cartilage can wear down (thinning/mild arthritis) and progress to the point where bone rubs on bone (severe arthritis).

Orthopaedic Sports Medicine has significantly advanced the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis. As a physician at NEO Sports Medicine, I am often asked when someone should seek medical treatment. Anyone in their teenage years or younger with a joint that stays swollen for more than a few days should be seen urgently to rule out cartilage damage or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Mild non-traumatic joint pain in someone 30 or older can start initial treatment with weight loss, anti-inflammatory medication (Aleve, Advil, Tylenol), and reasonable exercise that does not cause pain. Primary care physicians can prescribe stronger anti-inflammatories.

If this does not provide relief, a referral to an orthopaedist is the next step. Patients should not assume an appointment means imminent surgery. X-rays will give the doctor a good idea of the condition of the joint. At NEO Sports Medicine, physicians look at the whole person not just a joint. Many times a course of physical therapy to strengthen the muscles (the shock absorbers of a joint) will help. A steroid injection into the joint can also provide relief. Braces can also be used on a short-term basis to give the joint a rest.

Joint pain is not always arthritis. Torn cartilage can often be repaired with an outpatient arthroscopic surgery using a small camera that is quite minor. An MRI can be helpful to get a better picture of the joint. For major joint damage that has failed conservative treatment, a joint replacement can provide life-changing relief. Replacements are available for the knee, hip, shoulder and even finger joints.

Modern joint replacements are now meant to last longer than 15 years and can allow patients to get back to a more active lifestyle. My partners and I provide accurate diagnoses and seek to exhaust all forms of conservative treatment. If surgery is indicated, we provide minimally invasive joint surgery to get patients back to the lifestyle they desire.

Dr. William Pillow is an orthopedic surgeon at North East Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.

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HEALTH LINES: Arthritis common condition, but not easily understood by all - Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal

Morningside Maryland Site (press release) (blog)

New Study Reveals Rheumatoid Arthritis Tests May Be Impacted By Obesity Morningside Maryland Site (press release) (blog) A group of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania Health System obesity may impact blood tests that are utilized for diagnosing and monitoring rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in women. Blood tests for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C ...

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New Study Reveals Rheumatoid Arthritis Tests May Be Impacted By Obesity - Morningside Maryland Site (press release) (blog)

Oncology Nurse Advisor

AntiCancer, Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug Combination Produced Synergistic Attack on Tumor Cells Oncology Nurse Advisor Auranofin, a drug used to treat arthritis, helped boost the effectiveness of RAPTA-T in attacking tumors. The combination of 2 unrelated drugs, RAPTA-T and auranofin, results in synergistic effects that improve the ability of RAPTA-T to kill tumors in ...

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AntiCancer, Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug Combination Produced Synergistic Attack on Tumor Cells - Oncology Nurse Advisor

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Arthritis is commonly known as painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints, but the fact that arthritis is so common among Montanans is quite a surprise. Program Manager for Montana Arthritis Program Heather Welch explains.

Here in Montana, about one in four Montanans have been diagnosed with arthritis, said Welch. That is about 215,000 adults and about one in three adults with arthritis report that they do not engage in physical activity. We do have exercise and self-management programs throughout the state to help people with arthritis and other chronic conditions they may have.

Welch says many people are under the assumption that arthritis only affects those who are older, but that is not the case.

I think people forget it is not just older folks that get arthritis, but there are still working age adults that do have arthritis, Welch said. Some people will notice some pain and joint stiffness, but really what we recommend is going to see your doctor if you do think you have arthritis. There are over 100 different types of arthritis.

According to Welch, Montana is an aging population and there is a higher prevalence of arthritis in rural areas due to occupation. Exercise and self-management programs in Montana for arthritis can be found right here.

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One In Four Montanans Have Been Diagnosed With Arthritis, Numbers Are Expected To Increase - Newstalkkgvo

Danbury Walk to Cure Arthritis Welcomes Sanjay Gupta, MD, of Orthopaedic Specialists of Connecticut as Event Chair

Gupta to help reach goal of $75,000

The Arthritis Foundation announced today that Sanjay Gupta, M.D. of Orthopaedic Specialists of Connecticut has been named the corporate chair of the 2017 Danbury Walk to Cure Arthritis. As chair, Dr. Gupta will provide leadership in helping the Danbury Walk to Cure Arthritis reach its fundraising goal of $75,000.

The Arthritis Foundations Walk to Cure Arthritis is an annual, nationwide fundraising event focused on accelerating the search for a cure and building a better life for the 50 million Americans, including 300,000 children, living with this painful and debilitating disease. In Connecticut more than 663,000 adults and an estimated 3,400 children have arthritis the nations leading cause of disability.

Dr. Gupta is a long-time Arthritis Foundation advocate and volunteer, and was chosen as the 2017 Walk to Cure Arthritis chair because of his strong leadership skills, passion for helping others and dedication to removing the burden of arthritis from local communities.

The majority of my day-to-day professional life is dedicated to helping people and their families deal with arthritic pain, said Dr. Gupta. The pain of arthritis may not be visible but it is incredibly real and the # 1 cause of disability in America. More must be done to help.

Dr. Gupta is an orthopedic surgeon with Orthopaedic Specialists of Connecticut and widely recognized as one of the top joint replacement surgeons in the state. He is currently the chief of orthopedics at Danbury Hospital. He completed a two-year fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York and specializes in hip and knee disorders and joint replacement. Orthopaedic Specialists of Connecticut is known for providing personalized, compassionate care. Their physicians trained all the top hospitals and universities in the country. Recent data shows that they have the best surgical outcomes in the area. Dr. Gupta and his family reside in Ridgefield.

The Walk to Cure Arthritis is nationally sponsored by Amgen.

The Danbury Walk to Cure Arthritis will be held on Sunday, April 30, 2017, 9:00 a.m. at Immaculate High School in Danbury. All proceeds support the Arthritis Foundations mission to conquer and cure arthritis. Learn more or register for the Walk at http://www.WalkToCureArthritis.org/Danbury. For more information contact Emily Roberson at 860-781-7776.

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Danbury Walk to Cure Arthritis Welcomes Sanjay Gupta, MD - HamletHub

A newreportfrom the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the number of Americans living with arthritis is at an all-time high. According to the report, 1 in 4 Americans now live with arthritis, and approximately 79 million will have arthritis by the year 2040.

The CDC data is alarmingbecause while the demand for arthritis care is growing, the pool of U.S. rheumatologists providing specialized arthritis care is shrinking. The American College of Rheumatologys most recent workforce study shows the demand for rheumatology care exceeded the supply by36 percent for adult rheumatologists and33 percent forpediatric rheumatologistsin 2015 and predicts that these gaps will widen to138 percent and 61 percent respectivelyby 2030.

Arthritis an umbrella term used to describe more than 100 rheumatologic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the nations leading cause of disability and generates at least $81 billion in direct medical costs each year. If left untreated, arthritic diseases can cause debilitating pain, joint damage and disability. Unfortunately, the CDC report shows that 24 million Americans are already limited in their daily activities because of having arthritis. They find it difficult to stoop, bend, kneel, lift a cup to their mouths, or walk without help or support. The inflammatory rheumatologic diseases tend to be systemic and, at times, can be life-threatening; in addition to joints, they can affect the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and other vital organs. Lack of adequate treatment of these conditions can shorten life span and lead to early death. With early intervention and ongoing care by a rheumatologist, the symptoms of arthritis can be controlled and disability prevented; in fact, many rheumatologic diseases can go into remission with appropriate treatment.

Now more than ever, it is imperative that congressional leaders and the Trump administration support policies that will ensure these patients can access the specialized care they need while stabilizing and growing the rheumatology workforce they depend on.

Access to vital rheumatology care begins with insurance coverage. If health reform legislation is taken up by congressional leaders again this year, it should prioritize affordable coverage for chronically ill patients, including coverage of essential health benefits and limits on out-of-pocket expenses.

Access to rheumatology care must also include affordable treatments. Drug costs remain a formidable barrier for many of our patients who rely on biologic therapies to manage their rheumatologic diseases. While rheumatologists and patients are hopeful that biosimilars will lower the prices of specialty drugs by creating more competition in the marketplace, we also want to ensure these highly complex therapies are safe for our patients. Additional FDA funding for the review of new biosimilars would help speed the introduction of safe and affordable therapies to the marketplace and improve patient access to life-changing medications.

Ensuring continued access to care also requires proactive measures to help grow the rheumatology workforce. We need to make it easier, not harder, for rheumatologists to practice medicine. This starts with repealing the Independent Payment Advisory Board, an ACA-created agency that has the power to impose arbitrary and draconian payment cuts on rheumatology providers. These cuts would disproportionately impact small and rural rheumatology practices already struggling to stay financially viable.

The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act must also be implemented in a way that does not put smaller providers out of business. Allowing rheumatologists to use Qualified Clinical Data Registries to report on quality measures and creating Alternative Payment Models that recognize the value of care provided by rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals will be critical to ensure a smooth transition to the new Medicare payment system for rheumatology providers.

Alongside more immediate solutions, meeting the growing demand for arthritis care will require planning for the future. The government should look to augment our human capital and caretaking capacity by providing Medicare funding for graduate medical education, funding more rheumatology fellowship positions, and supporting the Subspecialty Loan Repayment Program to ensure there are enough rheumatologists to care for people living with arthritis.

In the end, effective policymaking is about doing what is best for the most people. At a time when the prevalence and impact of arthritis is reaching epidemic levels in the U.S., we cannot afford to turn back the clock on rheumatologic disease care. With sound policy and support from government leaders, we can stem rising healthcare costs and better meet the care needs of the millions of Americans living with arthritis.

Sharad Lakhanpal is president of the American College of Rheumatology.

Morning Consult welcomes op-ed submissions on policy, politics and business strategy in our coverage areas. Updated submission guidelines can be foundhere.

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Health Care Policy Must Meet Growing Demand for Arthritis Care - Morning Consult

If you have recently been diagnosed withpsoriatic arthritis,your doctor may have told you about a type of medicine that can reverse disease progression, stop damage to your joints and might even put your disease into remission.

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These medicines are called DMARDs, which stands for disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. The drugs work by curbing the bodys out-of-control immune system response that causes psoriatic arthritis.

DMARDs work by curbing your immune system, and, as a result, reduce inflammation, says rheumatologist Howard R. Smith, MD.

Doctors often prescribe DMARDs when non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or other medications arent effective or for patients who have disease that is eroding their joints, Dr. Smith says.

DMARDs fall into two categories, biologic and non-biologic:

Non-biologic DMARDs These medicines slow the disease process by modifying the immune system. Methotrexate is the most commonly prescribed non-biologic DMARD for psoriatic arthritis treatment. Methotrexate is an effective immune system suppressor and can treat the accompanying psoriasis as well as arthritis.

Biologic DMARDs Introduced in the late 1990s for treating moderate to severe autoimmune diseases, biologic DMARDS target cells at a molecular level to prevent inflammation at a very early stage. They work by blocking a protein made by the immune system that contributes to psoriasis and arthritis. Biologic DMARDs are given by an injection or infusion into a blood vessel.

Both of these drugs reduce the signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis and most exciting they also can slow down damage to your joints, Dr. Smith says

DMARDs slow down psoriatic arthritis and improve quality of life for most people, Dr. Smith says. Some patients will even achieve a remission while taking them. But more typically, disease activity continues, but at a slower, less intense rate.

If your doctor prescribes DMARDs, here, according to Dr. Smith, are three things you should know about these powerful medicines.

Because DMARDs are a systemic treatment, they mayhave side effects, such as stomach upset, liver problems or blood issues, Dr. Smith says. It may take some tinkering for your physician to find the right regimen for you.

Possible long-term complications include liver damage with methotrexate and leflunomide. Some dormant long-term infections such as tuberculosis, can be re-activated by DMARDs.

DMARDs change your immune system, so you may get more intense viral or bacterial infections. Make sure to let your doctor know about any serious infections, Dr. Smith says.

You also should check with your doctor before getting any vaccines, Dr. Smith says. Live vaccines, like the shingles vaccine, may be dangerous with certain of medications, he says.

Some biologics also have been linked to a very small increased risk of cancer. You should ask your doctor about it, Dr. Smith says.

Though DMARDs mayhave side effects, there still is good reason to take them theyre proven to be effective against psoriatic arthritis, Dr. Smith says.

It takes time for a DMARD to change your immune system. It may take months for some of the non-biologics to work. Biologic DMARDs may take a fewweeks.

DMARDs are used alone and in combination with other drugs. Its also common for a physician to prescribe more than one DMARD. For example, studies show that methotrexate and a biologic may work better together than alone.

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3 Things You Should Know About Treatment for Psoriatic Arthritis - Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic (blog)

Arthritis can manifest as heart disorders if it is suppressed by painkillers according to renowned homeopath Dr Shreepad Khedekar. So try homeopathy for arthritis instead.

Among the many diseases afflicting the elderly today, one of the most painful is arthritis. Everyday activities become increasingly difficult; mobility limitations can put people off work, robbing them off their ability to earn a livelihood.

Who is at risk?

Conventional treatment for arthritis in allopathy comprises painkillers, steroids to suppress the inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to control the pain or in some cases, surgery. But once the patient is off these drugs, there is a good chance that arthritic pain can return because the root of the problem is not addressed.

In the light of such problems, would a holistic approach be best to treat arthritis? Yes says Usha Prabhakar Sawant, a 59-year old who had tried every option before being referred to Dr Shreepad Khedekar, MD, Imperial Clinics, a well-known homeopath. I was told to go for a surgery when none of the drugs worked and the pain kept returning. But somehow, better sense prevailed and I refused to get operated. Around that time, my daughter-in-laws father suggested that I meet Dr Khedekar once, says Sawant. Today, I am doing much better and I feel no pain or discomfort. In fact, I can perform all the tasks I did before I had arthritis.

What is the homeopathic perspective on arthritis?

Dr Khedekar offers a very interesting perspective on how arthritis is manifested in the body. In my experience treating arthritis, I have observed that many a times, it steps from suppressed colds or allergies in the childhood, he states. When these problems are suppressed using antihistamines etc., the problem goes on the settle in the bones, eventually manifesting as arthritis. The same arthritis if suppressed using steroids and painkillers, it can turn into something more serious, like heart disorders.

With homeopathic treatment, the disorder is reversed and the arthritis retrogresses into its previous form, a common cold or an allergy. This will be a transient phase, lasting for a month or two, after which the arthritis can be completely cured, he says.

How does homeopathy treat arthritis?

According to Dr Khedekar, homeopathy treats person as a whole with holistic approach, understanding physical and mental dimensions of the person. Arthritis can be treated with wide array of drugs along with regular exercises. Some of the remedies are as follows:

Dr Khedekar suggests that opting for homeopathy in the case of arthritis can be a good decision. Many Patients have benefitted from homeopathic medicines; their use of steroids and pain killers had significantly reduced after taking homeopathy. It has also helped many in slowing down the pace of disease and arresting it to control further damage. In hundreds of patients a knee replacement could be completely avoided, he reveals.

Read:

Can homeopathy treat autism, Alzheimers, Parkinsons and depression?

ShreepadKhedekarhas treated world famous tennis starNovak Djokovicfor Asthma. Has also cured many European football stars playing the European premiere league and the English premier league. He has his own practice in Europe and believes in research, has submitted hundreds of case studies to medical journals internationally. He is a physician, teacher, researcher and author who has written four books on homeopathy. He specialises in handling severe and complex pathologies by using a simple yet effective holistic approach. He operates through his clinics in Dadar and Belgrade and is also a consultant at Shushrusha Hospital, Mumbai.

Visit his site: http://www.imperialclinics.com

Published: April 13, 2017 5:45 pm

Disclaimer: TheHealthSite.com does not guarantee any specific results as a result of the procedures mentioned here and the results may vary from person to person. The topics in these pages including text, graphics, videos and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only and not to be substituted for professional medical advice.

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World Homeopathy Awareness Week: Can homeopathy treat arthritis? - TheHealthSite

When a joint develops osteoarthritis, some of the cartilage covering the ends of the bones gradually roughens and becomes thin, and the bone underneath thickens.

According to Arthritis Research UK, over eight million people in the UK suffer from osteoarthritis - a condition perceived as only a disorder that affects the elderly.

However, experts have revealed one of the best way to manage the symptoms of the condition.

Olivia Belle from Arthritis Research UK said: If you have joint pain or mild osteoarthritis you might not always feel much like exercising.

But keeping active is one of the best ways to manage the symptoms.

Regular, safe, simple and effective exercise has been proven to greatly reduce pain and stiffness in joints.

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Its also important for your joints that you maintain a healthy weight for you, and exercising regularly will help you with that.

Ruby James, 55, has osteoarthritis - but she visits the gym three times a week and runs her own business.

The most common reaction I get when I tell people about my condition is youre too young to have that and when I was first diagnosed, I thought the same, she said.

Most of my friends dont even know I have the condition.

Its not the kind of thing that really comes up in conversation, and I dont want them to treat or see me differently.

Ruby said she was overwhelmed by her diagnosis - but is now determined not to let the condition dictate how she lives.

For me, osteoarthritis is mind over matter, she explained.

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If you have joint pain or mild osteoarthritis you might not always feel much like exercising.

Arthritis Research UK

Im a very positive person and Ive come to realise that I dont have anything to feel gloomy about. You have to get to know your pain and find out what works for you.

Ruby said exercise and movement are a key part of her pain management routine and help ease the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

She realised staying active and learning to manage her flare ups has improved her quality of life.

Ruby explained: I make sure I keep moving and exercising, as I always have, as I really feel that this makes my osteoarthritis more manageable.

If I didnt keep active I think my condition would become more of a problem.

My health means a lot to me and being active is so important not just for my body but for my wellbeing too.

I go the gym at least three times a week, and there I mostly do cardio stuff on the cross trainer, rower and bikes.

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I also do resistance weights to maintain and improve my strength.

From my routine, I dont think people would be able to tell I have the condition that I have, but if you watched me closely over time youd see that I do have little routines that Ive developed to work around the pain I feel.

On the outside, it doesnt look like theres anything wrong with me and Im keen to keep it that way. Although sometimes it would be nice to be offered a seat on the tube.

As well as exercise, I use meditation, and eat good foods like oily fish, spinach, vegetables, ginger, turmeric and cinnamon, which I think makes me fitter and more alive. I also treat flare ups with painkillers and topical pain relief gels like Voltarol when I need to.

Experts at Arthritis Research UK have created a video series of exercises which are specially designed to deliver real results.

The charity is working with Voltarol Emulgel, a pain relief gel which is proven to relieve pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis.

Arthritis Research UK exercises are available here.

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Arthritis symptoms: Sufferer swears by THIS to ease painful flare ups - Express.co.uk

Rheumatoid arthritis market in Southeast Asia to reach $1.44 billion by 2022, says GBI Research.

The rheumatoid arthritis market in Southeast Asia, which covers South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, is set to grow from $1.04 billion in 2015 to $1.44 billion by 2022, representing a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%, according to business intelligence provider GBI Research.

The companyslatest reportstates that the entry of new therapies over the forecast period will stimulate market growth. Promising pipeline candidates include Eli Lilly and Incytes baricitinib, Regenerons sarilumab, GlaxoSmithKline and Johnson & Johnsons sirukumab, Astellas peficitinib, and AbbVies upadacitinib. Galapagos filgotinib is in late-stage development, but will not be launched during the forecast period, as its phase III trial completion date is in Q3 2020.

Aswini Nath, analyst for GBI Research, explains: The therapeutic market for rheumatoid arthritis has become extremely competitive owing to the number of new drug approvals. Competition for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-) inhibitors such as Humira and Remicade is particularly fierce and now dominates the treatment market for rheumatoid arthritis patients who are refractory to first-line, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs.

Although the current RA therapeutic landscape is crowded, with several biologics including anti-TNFs and newly approved Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, the launch of cheaper biosimilars and existing unmet need creates room for novel therapies.

Over the forecast period, novel oral JAK inhibitors in the form of Eli Lilly/Incytes baricitinib and Astellas peficitinib are expected to be launched in South Korea and Taiwan; AbbVies upadacitinib (another JAK inhibitor) is expected to be launched in Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Taiwan; Regenerons IL-6 inhibitor sarilumab is expected to launch in South Korea and Taiwan; and Johnson & Johnson/GSKs sirukumab (another IL-6 inhibitor) is expected to launch in Malaysia, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Although the market is crowded with multiple effective biologic therapies, it lacks curative treatments. Instead, treatments aim to alleviate symptoms and reduce disease progression. This major unmet need is not expected to be addressed directly by any of the pipeline agents, and any that are successfully approved and launched will compete for the same patient populations.

Aswini concludes: Although drugs with novel mechanisms of action are welcome additions to the market, the challenge will be to determine where they will fit into the treatment paradigm.

(Source: GBI Research)

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Rheumatoid Arthritis Market in Southeast Asia to Reach $1.44B by 2022 - Pharmaceutical Processing

Kevin Cazes from team Cash Me Outside finishes throwing the bowling ball. He was one of 250 participants to take part in Strike Out Arthritis. The event looked to spread awareness about juvenile arthritis. Nikisun Shrestha/The Lions Roar

Alpha Omicron Pi brought together juvenile arthritis awareness and bowling to host Strike Out Arthritis at Tangi Lanes this past weekend.

On Saturday Apr. 8 the fundraiser took place starting at 8 a.m. The participants came in numbers for the cause.

I think its going pretty well, said Ali LeBourgeois, coordinator of the event. We have over 70 sponsors. We had over 300 people register. We had about 250 show up. So, this is one of the biggest events weve had. We also incorporated things such as our raffle baskets and Camp MASH drive.

Each of the 80 members of AOPi formed their own team for the event. Registration was made public to boost the number of participants.

Lou Hutchinson, who is 75 years old and a member of The Strikers enjoyed the event.

Its really good, said Hutchinson. Its good lanes here and the ladies behind the counter are really nice. Its been just a blast. Its a great cause. Childrens arthritis needs all the help they can get.

Hutchinson described her past experience with bowling as well.

I used to bowl on a bowling lane about 30 years ago, said Hutchinson. Our team made it to regionals and we didnt finish after that, but thats okay. I have managed to bowl a 500 game.

However, her participation in the event was a complete coincidence.

My granddaughter, Fallon, is in AOPi, said Hutchinson. She has invited me not knowing I knew how to bowl, but she invited me to come play with her today and I love it. Its so much fun.

LeBourgeois explained what inspired her to organize the event and how the event took shape.

This past summer, I had the opportunity to go to a summer camp for kids with arthritis, said LeBourgeois. Thats what inspired me to run for this office and do this. Actually, one of my campers is here today. So, its kind of cool I get to share this experience with her. Its basically like a chapter. I was the head of it. I have some advisors to help me. So between us three, we put it together. I also do owe credit to five of my friends, who have been there the whole time.

According to The Arthritis Foundation, juvenile arthritis consists of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions or pediatric rheumatic diseases that can develop in children under the age of 16. This condition affects nearly 300,000 children in the United States. Some of the common symptoms of this condition include pain, joint swelling, redness and warmth. However, each type of juvenile arthritis has its distinct and special concerns and symptoms.

LeBourgeois wants the awareness of this condition to grow on campus. She is graduating next year and hopes the event grows in the future.

Im hoping the person that takes the office after makes it grow, said LeBourgeois. Our main goal is to branch out to Southeastern community. We tried it this year, but we had only a few students sign up. But we really want a community involvement.

Nikisun Shrestha/The Lion's Roar

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AOPi fundraiser at Tangi Lanes works to strike out juvenile arthritis - The Lion's Roar Newspaper