Tocilizumab

Weekly tocilizumab delays initial flare and reduces glucocorticoid exposure in patients with relapsing and new-onset giant cell arteritis, according to data published in Rheumatology.

Treatment for thyroid eye disease should be personalized, with joint input from endocrinologists and ophthalmologists, according to two speakers.

First-line treatment of thyroid eye disease differs around the globe, with teprotumumab the most commonly prescribed treatment in North America and IV steroids most common in Europe, according to a speaker.

Tocilizumab plus glucocorticoids is beneficial for patients with COVID-19 who require oxygen therapy, according to updated EULAR “points to consider” on the use of immunomodulatory therapies in SARS-CoV-2.

In a disturbing repeat of last year’s run on hydroxychloroquine, U.S. health care systems are scrambling to maintain tocilizumab access for rheumatology patients following the drug’s emergency use authorization for COVID-19 and the surge in delta variant cases.

The FDA has included tocilizumab among its list of drugs currently in shortage.

At a recent medical conference, Alisa N. Femia, MD, a dermatologist at NYU Langone Health, reviewed case reports of dermatological conditions, such as “COVID toes,” that rheumatologists may encounter.

Demand for tocilizumab IV has outpaced the global supply, exacerbated by increased demand following the drug’s emergency use authorization for COVID-19 and the surge in delta variant cases, the American College of Rheumatology reported.

Following the recent approvals of nintedanib and tocilizumab for systemic sclerosis-related interstitial lung disease, providers should manage the disease based on severity, progression risk and extrapulmonary activity, noted researchers.

This week, the FDA issues an EUA for tocilizumab in COVID-19; an electronic tool detects ovarian and pancreatic cancers; the delta variant accounts for 20% of new COVID-19 cases; and more.