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Biologic response modifiers: new research Advances in molecular biology and recombinant DNA tecnology have led to a recent proliferation of therapeutic agents with selected immunologic targets. Biological therapies have become commonplace in the treatment of autoimmune rheumatic disorders. Several of these newer therapies have resulted in significant Short-and moderate-term improvements in disease activity for afflicted patients with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Despite these advances the long-term efficacy and safety of these newer therapies is not yet fully understood. Recent reports of putative adverse effects of monoclonal atinbodies to tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFa) identified during post-marketing surveillance highlight the need for further investigation. Long-term effectiveness, resource consumption and safety issues, coupled with the growing demand for this class of therapeutic agents, affords an important opportunity to conduct timely pharmacoepidemiologic and health services research aimed at improving the effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of these compounds in the treatment of systemic rheumatic disease. For the current
Engalitcheff Arthritis Outcomes Initiative instructions and applications
(deadline March 1, 2003) click
here: Currently funded projects include:
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