Top in rheumatology: Varicella-zoster vaccine and TNF inhibitors, statin use and RA risk

New data showed that the live attenuated varicella-zoster vaccine was safe and provided short-term effectiveness in patients receiving TNF inhibitors. A report on the data was the top story in rheumatology last week.

In another top story, researchers said they found no significant association between statin use and an increased risk for rheumatoid arthritis.

Read these and more top stories in rheumatology below:

Live varicella-zoster vaccine effective, 'can be safely used' with TNF inhibitors

The live attenuated varicella-zoster vaccine is safe and provides “reasonable short-term” effectiveness in patients receiving TNF inhibitors for a variety of indications, according to data published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Read more.

Statin use does not significantly increase rheumatoid arthritis risk

There is no significant increase in the risk for rheumatoid arthritis in patients who use statins, compared with nonusers, according to data published in Arthritis Research & Therapy. Read more.

FDA approves avacopan for ANCA-associated vasculitis

The FDA has approved avacopan as an adjunctive treatment for adults with severe active ANCA-associated vasculitis, specifically granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis, alongside standard therapy. Read more.

Corrona RA registry reveals more drug switching, less time spent on given therapy

Data from an independent, prospective, observational registry reveals increased drug switching and less time spent on a given therapy among patients with rheumatoid arthritis from 2012 to 2015, according to researchers. Read more.

TPX-100 shows 'statistically significant' decrease in bone shape change in knee OA

TPX-100, a novel 23-amino acid peptide, has a “significant effect” on bone shape, as measured by B-score, in knee osteoarthritis and shows promise as a disease-modifying drug, according to data published in Arthritis Research & Therapy. Read more.