The FDA has recently approved several new treatments, offering hope for individuals with rheumatic and dermatological conditions. Additionally, research highlights positive trends in osteoporosis rates among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and potential benefits of coffee consumption on heart health and diabetes prevention.
Bimzelx Approved for Psoriatic Arthritis and Spondyloarthritis
UCB's Bimzelx (bimekizumab-bkzx) has received FDA approval for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis (PsA), active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) with objective signs of inflammation, and active ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This marks the first medication in the U.S. to target both IL-17A and IL-17F, two key proteins driving inflammation in these conditions. The dual inhibition may lead to more effective symptom reduction, addressing both joint and skin manifestations.
In clinical trials, patients with PsA and axSpA (including nr-axSpA and AS) treated with Bimzelx demonstrated significant improvements in symptoms by week 16, with sustained benefits observed for up to one year. These findings build upon the initial FDA approval of Bimzelx for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in 2023.
Emmanuel Caeymaex, Executive Vice President, Head of Patient Impact and Chief Commercial Officer at UCB, stated, "The approval of BIMZELX in the U.S. across three new indications... highlights the clinical benefit of dual inhibition of both IL-17A and IL-17F for patients, and provides an opportunity for more people living with chronic inflammatory diseases to achieve meaningful outcomes."
Ebgliss Approved for Moderate-to-Severe Eczema
Eli Lilly's Ebgliss (lebrikizumab-lbkz) has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) in patients 12 years and older who have not responded adequately to topical treatments. Ebgliss is an injectable biologic that targets the underlying inflammation associated with eczema. Clinical studies have shown that patients experienced skin clearance in as little as four weeks and itch relief in as soon as two weeks, regardless of skin tone.
The approval was based on data from three major studies involving over 1,000 participants. In two studies (ADvocate 1 and 2), 38% of patients treated with Ebgliss achieved clear or nearly clear skin by week 16, compared to 12% of those receiving placebo. Notably, 10% of participants experienced these results as early as four weeks.
Decline in Osteoporosis and Fracture Rates in RA Patients
A recent study from Jena University Hospital in Germany indicates a significant decrease in osteoporosis and related fracture rates among RA patients over the past 24 years. The study revealed that only 28% of RA patients treated between 2005 and 2019 had osteoporosis, compared to approximately 48% of those treated between 1996 and 2004.
Researchers attribute this positive trend to advancements in RA treatments, particularly the increased use of biologic drugs and a reduced reliance on steroids (glucocorticoids), which are known to weaken bones. Patients treated in later years were more likely to receive biologics and exhibited significantly better bone density, even with concurrent steroid use.
Furthermore, there was a notable decline in osteoporotic fractures. Peripheral fractures decreased from approximately 21 per 100 people to about 12 per 100 people, while vertebral fractures decreased from around 11 per 100 people to approximately 7 per 100 people.
Coffee Consumption and Cardiometabolic Health
Emerging research suggests that moderate coffee consumption may offer protective benefits against heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. A study involving over 360,000 participants found that individuals who consumed approximately three cups of coffee per day, or 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine, had a 40% to 48% lower risk of developing multiple heart and metabolic conditions compared to those with minimal or no caffeine intake.
While the study did not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, researchers believe that compounds in coffee, such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, may contribute to maintaining heart and metabolic health. However, experts caution that these benefits are primarily associated with coffee and tea, and moderation is key.
