New Developments in Sjogren's Syndrome

Systemic Treatments under Investigation for Sjogren's Syndrome

• A small study completed in Sweden on the effects of aerobic activity on fatigue in patients with Sjogren's syndrome indicated that it was highly effective in reducing levels of fatigue as well as depression. For more information, please click on the following link: http://www.medifocus.com/abstracts.php?gid=RH011&ID=17308315
• Results from a clinical trial that took place in Leeds, Great Britain showed a reduction of fatigue levels with rituximab infusions. To read more about this just-published study, please click on the following link: http://www.medifocus.com/abstracts.php?gid=RH011&ID=18276741
• Researchers are studying mycopholate mofetil as a possible alternative for cyclophosphamide for the treatment of vasculitis.

• Research regarding development of biologic agents which target B-cells and T-cells in Sjogren's syndrome is very robust. B-cell targeting medications under investigation include:

  • rituximab
  • ocrelizumab
  • epratuzumab
  • belimumab

• T-cell targeted therapies include:

  • efalizumab (Raptiva)
  • alefacept (Amevive)
  • abatacept (Orencia)

• Other medications being investigated for treatment of extraglandular involvement in Sjogren's syndrome include:

  • infliximab (Remicade)
  • etanercept
  • thalidomide
  • leflunomide (LEF)
  • 2-chloro-deoxy-adenosine
  • octreotide
  • azathioprine

To read more about emerging biological therapies in the treatment of Sjogren's syndrome, please click on the following link: http://www.medifocus.com/abstracts.php?gid=RH011&ID=17586555

In October, 2004 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centocor notified healthcare professionals of revisions to the WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections of the prescribing information for Remicade, indicated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. In controlled studies of all TNF-blocking agents, including Remicade, more cases of lymphoma have been observed among patients receiving the agents than among control group patients. Malignancies have also been observed in open-label, uncontrolled clinical studies at a rate several-fold higher than expected in the general population. Patients with Crohn's disease or rheumatoid arthritis, particularly patients with highly active disease and/or chronic exposure to immunosuppressant therapies, may be at a higher risk (up to several fold) than the general population for the development of lymphoma. FDA has recommended a warning concerning malignancy be added to the labeling for all therapeutic agents that block TNF.

For information regarding clinical trials being conducted for Sjogren's syndrome, please click on the following link: http://www.clincialtrials.gov