Top in rheumatology: COVID-19 antibody cocktail, rheumatic diseases and infection risk
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The FDA recently issued an emergency use authorization for AstraZeneca’s antibody cocktail for pre-exposure prevention of COVID-19.
The authorization was based on data that showed the antibody cocktail reduced the risk for symptomatic disease by 77% compared with placebo among unvaccinated adults without a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection who had an increased risk for inadequate immunization response. The announcement was the top story in rheumatology last week.
The second top story reported that individuals with rare autoimmune rheumatic diseases had a significantly increased risk for COVID-19 and more than twice the risk for COVID-19-related mortality compared with the general population.
Read these and more top stories in rheumatology below:
FDA authorizes AstraZeneca antibody cocktail for pre-exposure prevention of COVID-19
The FDA has for the first time approved an emergency use authorization for a long-acting monoclonal antibody cocktail designed to prevent symptomatic COVID-19 among adults and children aged 12 years and older. Read more.
Rare autoimmune rheumatic diseases more than double risk for COVID-19 death
Patients with rare autoimmune rheumatic diseases have a 54% increased risk for COVID-19 infection, and more than twice the risk for COVID-19 death, vs. the general population, according to data published in Rheumatology. Read more.
SGLT2 inhibitors reduced gout incidence by 11% in patients with type 2 diabetes
Patients with type 2 diabetes who receive sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors may have a lower risk for gout compared with those using dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, according to data published in JAMA Network Open. Read more.
Platelet-rich plasma injection fails to top placebo for pain, joint benefit in knee OA
Platelet-rich plasma injections failed to improve knee osteoarthritis symptoms or joint structure at 12 months, compared with a saline placebo, in patients with symptomatic, mild-to-moderate radiographic disease, according to data. Read more.
Asian, indigenous, Latino patients underrepresented in US clinical trials of biologics
Asian, American Indian, Alaska Native, Latino and Hispanic patients are underrepresented in U.S. clinical trials for new drugs and biologics, compared with national census figures, according to a research letter published in JAMA. Read more.