So Many Have IBS, So Many Are *Hush Hush* That They Suffer From It

I didn't realize the numbers were that high.  & YES!    What we need is AWARENESS.  More awareness!

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: As many as 1 in 7 have it, but few speak of it

BY ARACONTENT

Posted: Jun. 28, 2012 | 1:11 a.m.
Updated: Jun. 28, 2012 | 3:10 a.m.

It's a disorder that affects between 25 and 45 million people in the United States. Its exact cause is not known and for those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, the symptoms can have a significant impact on their life. It may impact a person's emotional, personal and work life. And there's the additional burden that comes from living in a society where the word "bowel" is rarely spoken. Many people suffering do not see their doctor and those around them may be unaware of the impact or even the existence of the disorder.

To raise awareness of IBS and encourage patients to work with their doctors, Abby, an IBS patient, is sharing her personal story in a new public service announcement (PSA), "Educating Americans about Living with IBS." The PSA also features Dr. Lauren B. Gerson, Associate Professor of Medicine at Stanford School of Medicine, who discusses the importance of working with a health care provider to determine if you have IBS and discuss ways to manage IBS symptoms.

For Abby, it took suffering through a milestone event to motivate her to see her doctor. From the time she was 22, Abby often felt uncomfortable, experiencing symptoms of constipation, bloating and abdominal pain on a regular basis. Initially, she thought the stress of planning her wedding and moving to a new city was to blame for her symptoms, but the discomfort lasted well after her big day. After trying with limited success to manage her symptoms through lifestyle changes, Abby decided to take control of her life, and went to her doctor to talk about her symptoms. It was then that Abby was diagnosed with IBS.

"I had so much bloating, it felt like I had a balloon in my stomach," says Abby, who suffers from IBS-C, or IBS with constipation. "With the help of my doctor, I took action and learned how to manage my symptoms."

Working together, Abby and her doctor came up with a treatment plan for her. "I want to let other IBS patients know that they are not alone. They, too, can take the first step to be empowered and speak to their doctor to discuss ways to manage their symptoms," Abby adds.

As many as one in seven people suffer from IBS, and about three-quarters of patients are not receiving the care they need to manage their symptoms. There are three main types of IBS; IBS with constipation (IBS-C), IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) and IBS with mixed constipation and diarrhea (IBS-M). Common symptoms include abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, and changes of bowel habits such as constipation and/or diarrhea. While there is not a specific test for the disorder, people who think they might have IBS should consult their health care provider, who can help to diagnose and develop an appropriate treatment plan, based on a complete medical history that includes a careful description of symptoms and a physical examination.

"People who have IBS often experience its symptoms differently," explains Dr. Gerson. "Along with changes in bowel habits, some of my patients might feel pain inside the abdomen. Another patient feels like she has knots in her belly which is so uncomfortable that she avoids doing some activities with her family."

Together, Abby and Dr. Gerson provide a glimpse of what it is like to live with IBS. This is the first PSA dedicated to IBS in 10 years and was developed with the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD). IFFGD is a nonprofit education and research organization devoted to educating, helping and supporting people affected by GI disorders.

To see the PSA, now airing on TV and radio stations nationwide, and to learn more about IBS, please visit AboutIBS.org.

IIrritable Bowel Syndrome: As many as 1 in 7 have it, but few speak of it - Sponsored Content - ReviewJournal.com

Need an LDN Prescribing Dr? Read.....

Looking for a Dr. that Prescribes Low Dose Naltrexone?

If anyone is looking for a Dr in their area that prescribes LDN, please email Crystal @ angelindisguiseldn@yahoo.com -state your location & nearest large city & she will email you with the info she has.  The list is for the US, Overseas and Phone Consults with Dr's by phone as well.

Any questions???  Leave a comment

IBD Research Focuses on Fungi

Hemera/Thinkstock

Study of Bowel Disease Focuses on Fungi

"Fungi" is not exactly a pretty word to bring up in the discussion of digestive health, but fungi are a crucial subject of research if doctors want to better understand the causes ofinflammatory bowel disease and other conditions.

At Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, researchers have identified and characterized a vast number of fungi inhabiting the large intestine.

The medical center's Inflammatory Bowel and Immunobiology Research Institute studied fungi in an animal model of IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), with the results recently published in an issue of Science.

This Article

As a Cedars-Sinai media release explains, the digestive tract hosts an estimated 100 trillion bacteria, with the combination of bacteria, viruses and fungi outnumbering human cells.

Some microbes aid digestion, produce nutrients or suppress harmful microbes. But other microbes contribute to obesity and play a role in the two major inflammatory bowel diseases, ulcerativecolitis and Crohn's disease.

David Underhill, Ph.D., who led the study, said it has long been known that fungi reside in the gut. “But we’re among the first to investigate what types, how many, and whether they’re important in disease.

“We were truly stunned to see just how common fungi are, identifying more than 100 different types,” Underhill said, adding that the researchers were able to find links to digestive disorders when focusing on a protein called Dectin-1.

Dectin-1 is produced by white blood cells and is used by the immune system to detect and kill fungi. It appears that the protein goes to work on the fungi causing inflammation in the gut.

Researchers say the finding is relevant to the study of ulcerative colitis, a form of IBD characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the top layers of the large intestine's lining.

Common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include abdominal pain, diarrhea, bleeding, fatigue, weight loss and loss of appetite.

An estimated 1.4 million Americans have some form of IBD, a chronic digestive disorder that can involve rigorous medical therapies and lifestyle changes to bring it under control.

So not surprisingly, microbes in the human gut are a popular topic of study these days.

For instance, there is the Microbiome Initiative, a joint project of the Center for Genome Sciences at Washington University and the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.

The initiative relies on the latest generation of DNA sequencing technology and sophisticated computational methods to study the complex role of microbial communities in the intestine, the CCFA says.

Are gut microbes wholly or partially responsible for digestive diseases? This project and others might offer answers.

Saved My Life

This Article

Sources:

"Current Research Studies." Crohn's & ColitisFoundation of America. Web. 27 June 2012.
http://www.ccfa.org/science-and-professionals/research/current-research-...

"Cedars-Sinai researchers explore role of fungus in digestive disorders." Cedars-Sinai news release. Web. 27 June 2012.
http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/About-Us/News/News-Releases-2012/Cedars-Sina...

Reviewed June 28, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith

http://www.empowher.com/inflammatory-bowel-disease/content/study-bowel-disease-focuses-fungi

Controlling Crohn's Disease - Informative Short Video

 Good video that discusses various treatment approaches to Crohn's Disease (not just the ones we've all heard about). It's short and worth watching.

Controlling Crohn's Disease - Swagbucks TV

Crohn's and Mental Health - Article from Washingtontimes.com

This is the truth.  Crohn's and mental health go hand in hand.  The disease can take a toll on a patients' mood, self worth and motivation level.  Read article that talks about the connection and ways to stay connected and healthy.

Crohn’s and depression: If it isn’t one end it’s the other

EvaluatePharma's Report on Future Biologic Sales - Yes, I Almost Puked Again!!

Pretty soon the only option available to treat illnesses; which is in a chemical base, created in a lab, is  going to be biologics.  They calm the symptoms of diseases enough to satisfy and please the patient.  Let's face it, there's a larger percentage of patients that aren't very involved in their treatment the doctors have suggested and end up giving them.  I'm sure there are about 60% or more people that are treated with biologics and have no idea what the dangers of these drugs are. 
Biologics also are HUGE money makers.  That alone is a huge incentive to be driven to produce more of these medications to treat other illnesses.
And the fact that most people who take them, must remain on them makes it all the more profitable. 

Just take a look at the enormous number of clinical trials being conducted!!! Clinical trials aren't cheap in our country, but hey a few million is worth dishing out to get billions in return in sales.
 

Article Highlights

"Surveying Tomorrow's BioPharma Landscape: The NASDAQ Biotech Index Up Close," which shows that the quantity of biologic drugs on the market will likely soar by 2018. A thorough analysis of companies listed on the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (NBI) revealed that while less than 10 percent of these companies' currently marketed products are biologic drugs --"

 "EvaluatePharma's recent report, "World Preview 2018: Embracing the Patent Cliff." Prescription sales from NBI-listed companies are estimated to reach more than $129 billion by 2018, almost double the $74 billion they generated in 2011."

  "Pipeline Points to More Biologics; Growth of Oncology, Anti-Infectives and CNS products: NBI-listed companies have nearly 700 drugs in clinical trials....Access the complete report online. A PDF version is available at www.evaluatepharma.com/NBI2012"

press release

June 18, 2012, 6:00 a.m. EDT

EvaluatePharma Analysis Provides Insight on Tomorrow's BioPharma Landscape with Close-Up Look at NASDAQ Biotech Index

New report reveals a coming surge of biologics; prescription sales of leading biotech firms expected to top $129 billion by 2018

BOSTON, Jun 18, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- EvaluatePharma(R), the premier source for pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector analysis and consensus forecasts, today released a report, titled "Surveying Tomorrow's BioPharma Landscape: The NASDAQ Biotech Index Up Close," which shows that the quantity of biologic drugs on the market will likely soar by 2018. A thorough analysis of companies listed on the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (NBI) revealed that while less than 10 percent of these companies' currently marketed products are biologic drugs -- pharmaceuticals derived from living organisms -- these products comprise a hefty 40 percent of the companies' drug pipelines. [Note to editors: The report is available for download at www.evaluatepharma.com/NBI2012 .]

The EvaluatePharma report also reveals the diversity of the 117 companies listed on the index, with insights about pipeline development and consensus sales estimates. The analysis points to a growing focus on biologics, including drugs treating cancer, infection and central nervous system diseases.

EvaluatePharma -- the first company to provide reliable consensus forecasts of global drug sales -- developed the report to give investors and the life science community at large a better understanding of the products and trends driving the index.

The NASDAQ Biotech Index is cited all around the world, but rarely do we see a detailed aggregate analysis of these leading, publicly traded biotechnology companies. This analysis provides insight into the breadth and scope of today's products and looks at where this dynamic sector is heading.

Among the report's key takeaways:

-- Industry-Beating Sales Growth: The compound annual sales growth of prescription drugs generated by companies in the NASDAQ Biotech Index is expected to reach 8.3% in the 2011-2018 period -- well above the 3.1% forecasted for the wider pharmaceutical industry as stated in the EvaluatePharma's recent report, "World Preview 2018: Embracing the Patent Cliff." Prescription sales from NBI-listed companies are estimated to reach more than $129 billion by 2018, almost double the $74 billion they generated in 2011.

-- Unexpected Product Winners: By 2018, the highest-selling drug of any NBI-listed company is expected to be Celgene's Revlimid -- a small molecule compound derived from the controversial 1950s drug thalidomide and approved in 2006 to treat a rare cancer. Revlimid's sales could top $6.7 billion by then, with Gilead's newly-acquired Phase II Hepatitis C therapy GS-7977 potentially a close second.

-- Pipeline Points to More Biologics; Growth of Oncology, Anti-Infectives and CNS products: NBI-listed companies have nearly 700 drugs in clinical trials, with 67% of their pipeline focused on cancer, anti-infectives and central nervous system diseases. Biologic drugs make up 42% of the NBI companies' pipelines, compared with only 8% of their marketed products today.

Access the complete report online. A PDF version is available at www.evaluatepharma.com/NBI2012 .

About EvaluatePharma

Since 1996, EvaluatePharma has been the premier source for pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector analysis, delivering exclusive, trusted commercial insight into industry performance through its proprietary platform. EvaluatePharma is staffed by a team of 75 dedicated healthcare analysts employing rigorous methodologies to collate, organize and deliver the most-up-to-date commercial performance data available. An award winning editorial team of journalists writing under the EP Vantage name support EvaluatePharma's analysis, and enable the life science community to make sound business decisions about value and opportunity. For more information please visit www.evaluatepharma.com .

SOURCE: EvaluatePharma

        
        EvaluatePharma 
        Christine Lindgren, +1-617-866-3906 
        christinel@evaluatepharma.com 
        or 
        Chempetitive Group 
        Erik Clausen, +1-781-608-7091 
        eclausen@chempetitive.com
        

Copyright Business Wire 2012

EvaluatePharma Analysis Provides Insight on Tomorrow's BioPharma Landscape with Close-Up Look at NASDAQ Biotech Index

Metagenics Hosts-->The Lifestyle Medicine Summit-will address - CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS

I would totally go to this if I was closer.  Bringing all of the highly respected leaders in various fields of medicine together, where they can all contribute and offer ideas sounds powerful. Hopefully through discussion, these medical professionals will implement something that will be effective for reducing/or reversing chronic illnesses.  We need something!!!  The numbers of people with diseases that are considerd to be "uncurable" or "lifelong" is only growing day by day.  


The Lifestyle Medicine Summit that Metagenics will host on dates: Sept. 28-30, 2012, in Dana Point, Calif, will bring together leaders in this growing field - Lifestyle Medicine - to share how science-based protocols can be effectively applied in clinical practice to reduce or reverse chronic health conditions and transform lives.

Article Highlights 

"Around the world, the adoption of Western dietary habits, along with increasingly sedentary lifestyles and poorly managed stress, has led to an epidemic of chronic illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and autoimmune diseases."
“With the worldwide epidemic of chronic disease impacting our health and our economies, there's no debating that lifestyle medicine is a powerful force that cannot only help prevent, but also alleviate many of these illnesses,” said Jeffrey Bland, PhD, FACS, CNS, chief science officer for Metagenics Inc."

To learn more about the Metagenics University Lifestyle Medicine Summit and to register for the event, visit metagenics.com/2012summit or call 800-692-9400.

http://www.chiroeco.com/chiropractic/news/12751/50/metagenics hosts first lifestyle medicine summit/

Study- Links Bacteria in Gut as MAIN CAUSE OF IBS

Awesome  read....  They  are  getting  closer... CLOSER & CLOSER 

Article Highlights

"In the past, treatments for IBS have always focused on trying to alleviate the symptoms," said Pimentel, who first bucked standard medical thought more than a decade ago when he suggested bacteria played a significant role in the disease. "Patients who take rifaximin experience relief of their symptoms even after they stop taking the medication. This new study confirms what our findings with the antibiotic and our previous studies always led us to believe: Bacteria are key contributors to the cause of IBS."    I love to see the words like..... Cause, Cure, Effective Treatment, Rid the Body of disease causing bacteria.  

Physicians definitively links irritable bowel syndrome and bacteria in gut

May 25, 2012 in Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes

An overgrowth of bacteria in the gut has been definitively linked to Irritable Bowel Syndrome in the results of a new Cedars-Sinai study which used cultures from the small intestine. This is the first study to use this "gold standard" method of connecting bacteria to the cause of the disease that affects an estimated 30 million people in the United States.

Previous studies have indicated that bacteria play a role in the disease, including breath tests detecting methane – a byproduct of bacterial fermentation in the gut. This study was the first to make the link using bacterial cultures.

The study, in the current issue of Digestive Diseases and Sciences, examined samples of patients' small bowel cultures to confirm the presence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth – or SIBO – in more than 320 subjects. In patients with IBS, more than a third also were diagnosed with small intestine bacterial overgrowth, compared to fewer than 10 percent of those without the disorder. Of those with diarrhea-predominant IBS, 60 percent also had bacterial overgrowth.

"While we found compelling evidence in the past that bacterial overgrowth is a contributing cause of IBS, making this link through bacterial cultures is the gold standard of diagnosis," said Mark Pimentel, MD, director of the Cedars-Sinai GI Motility Program and an author of the study. "This clear evidence of the role bacteria play in the disease underscores our clinical trial findings, which show that antibiotics are a successful treatment for IBS."

IBS is the most common gastrointestinal disorder in the U.S., affecting an estimated 30 million people. Patients with this condition suffer symptoms that can include painful bloating, constipation, diarrhea or an alternating pattern of both. Many patients try to avoid social interactions because they are embarrassed by their symptoms. Pimentel has led clinical trials that have shown rifaximin, a targeted antibiotic absorbed only in the gut, is an effective treatment for patients with IBS.

"In the past, treatments for IBS have always focused on trying to alleviate the symptoms," said Pimentel, who first bucked standard medical thought more than a decade ago when he suggested bacteria played a significant role in the disease. "Patients who take rifaximin experience relief of their symptoms even after they stop taking the medication. This new study confirms what our findings with the antibiotic and our previous studies always led us to believe: Bacteria are key contributors to the cause of IBS."

Auto-Immune Diseases Can be Treated With A Immune System Regulator ---> II-5

Sounds promising to me.  Here's some article highlights

"One of the nice things about this discovery is that it is one of the few treatments in the auto-immune world and in the transplantation world that works not by attacking the effector cells, but by increasing the good regulating cells. So it works in a very different way from almost every other treatment we've got available."

  "Studies have demonstrated that consuming helminths parasites can control the immune system and increase T-cell production to fight illnesses, such as multiple sclerosis and celiac disease. In the developed world there has been a significant increase in auto-immune diseases and this may be due to the absence of the worms in guts in these nations."

My opinion------------->

 I don't agree with the author regarding why developed countries have more people with auto-immune conditions compared with under developed countries. Absence of worms?? I highly doubt that. The reason isn't complicated, it's logical and makes sense. Our food is loaded with stuff that doesn't belong in the human body. Everything is processed, has hormones in it, sprayed with chemicals our body rejects, the animals on farms that we eat for food are not all healthy (the conditions of some of these farms are in need of a serious inspection/fine & clean up. Because of the need to mass produce food, the food is made quicker and it's possible to get the product to taste "similar"without taking the extra steps to make it correctly (Good example of this: BREAD - a step is skipped in the making of bread products that is necessary for digestion-that's a whole other post in and off itself). To touch on the developing countries; they have a a completely different issue when it comes to health problems relating to food (Not having an adequate amount of money is the reason for most of the tainted foods making people ill. cholera is one i'll mention - often waterborne, however many foods also transmit the infection. In addition, ice and raw or underprocessed seafood are pathways for cholera transmission. Another is Mycotoxins - mostly found in grains/cereals in developing tropical locations where the toxins are produced by molds that contaminate the food ((and once again the issue is related to the lack of money)) A sanitary location where food is made/packaged is a must, improper storage, and conditions during transport and marketing can also contribute to fungal mold growth putting people at higher risk of contracting myocotoxins.

Now.... here's the article. ... Hope that this brings people hope that reassures you that you HAVE NOT ran out of possible options.  Scientists are constantly working on finding a cure and the determination to find one is there.  For the competitive driven (type A' people :) failing at something they are determined to discover is not an option.  They will eventually find!  Now to boost your hope a little.  This type of person isn't just 1 individual.  There are a few thousand driven people that make it a priority to find the answer.

 Autoimmune Disease Treatment With New Injection

Article Date: 05 Jun 2012 - 12:00 PDT

Researchers in Australia have discovered that a simple injection could help regulate the body's natural immune response. This potential new treatment offers hope for the simple and effective management of auto-immune diseases. The study is published in the journal Blood.

A persons immune system protects them from disease and infection. However, in individuals with an auto-immune disease, their immune system causes the body to attack itself.

Lead researcher of the study, Dr Suzanne Hodgkinson. From UNSW's Faculty of Medicine and Liverpool Hospital, notes that unlike most current studies, which focus on preventing "bad" or "effector" cells, the new approach in this study involves increasing good regulating cells in the body.

The team injected cell-signaling proteins called cytokines, in particular cytokine Interleukin-5 (II-5 cytokine), in order to induce the body's T-cell front-line defenses.

When T-regulatory cells are created to be specific to a particular protein they develop receptors for the Il-5 cytokine. This increase from the Il-5 cytokine enables the immune system to control its response to disease more effectively without causing the immune system to go into overdrive.

The researchers injected cloned II-5 cytokine into rats with Guillain-"Barré syndrome - a neurological condition. They found that the rodents recovered considerably faster, and did not fall ill if treated as a precaution. Furthermore, the injection may also be helpful in animals with multiple sclerosis, those with kidney disease nephritis, as well as in animals whose bodies have rejected organ transplantation.

Dr. Hodgkinson explained:

"One of the nice things about this discovery is that it is one of the few treatments in the auto-immune world and in the transplantation world that works not by attacking the effector cells, but by increasing the good regulating cells. So it works in a very different way from almost every other treatment we've got available."

The researchers highlight that the new injection could be more appealing than inoculation by parasitic worms - an alternative method in regulating auto-immune conditions.

Studies have demonstrated that consuming helminths parasites can control the immune system and increase T-cell production to fight illnesses, such as multiple sclerosis and celiac disease. In the developed world there has been a significant increase in auto-immune diseases and this may be due to the absence of the worms in guts in these nations.

Dr Hodgkinson said:

"The process we've developed may be the same process that the helminths kick off. When you get a helminths infestation, one of the changes in your immune response is an increase in cells called eosinophils and these cells make the cytokine Interleukin-5.

In this new treatment, it's a matter of injecting the interleukin-5 and the body does the rest. It's both safe and effective and we think inducing the immune response by injection may be more attractive to people than swallowing parasitic worms."

According to Dr Hodgkinson, clinical trials could be conducted within the next two to five years.

Written By Grace Rattue
Copyright: Medical News Today

Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

Research Results for HUMIRA Over a 10 yr Period for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) -June 2012

This should be very interesting.  Tomorrow and June 7th ABBOTT Pharmaceutical Company will present data highlighting the use of HUMIRA for long-term treatment of RA and what the research has found pertaining to safety and health over a significant period of time (10 years). The drug Humira is also used in the treatment of Crohn's Disease and other auto-immune conditions.   ALSO The results of research for the drug Abilify while being treated with drugs such as Anti-TNF medications to treat RA (at different levels - mild/severe)

"The benefits and risks of HUMIRA should be carefully considered before starting therapy."  ...............But are not carefully considered most of the time.

PRESS RELEASE

May 29, 2012, 1:00 a.m. EDT

Abbott to Present Wide Range of Investigational Efficacy, Safety and Health Outcomes Data on HUMIRA® (Adalimumab) at the Annual Meeting of the European League Against Rheumatism

Data Highlight HUMIRA Research in Multiple Rheumatologic Diseases and Abbott's Continued Commitment to Science

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., May 29, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Abbott scientists and independent researchers will highlight the latest investigational research findings on HUMIRA® (adalimumab) at the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Congress in Berlin, Germany, from 6-9 June, 2012. The presentations include two of the longest open-label extension studies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), featuring long-term data for disease activity and radiographic inhibition. Data will also be presented on investigational indications in axial and peripheral spondyloarthritis (SpA), moderate to severe polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and health economics research.

"Data presented at this year's EULAR highlight Abbott's commitment to continue to expand our understanding of the efficacy and safety of HUMIRA and address the needs of patients and physicians across a broad spectrum of rheumatologic diseases," said John Medich, Ph.D., divisional vice president, Clinical Development, Immunology, Abbott. "Specifically, data highlighting the use of HUMIRA for long-term treatment of RA and new data in investigational indications like axial and peripheral SpA will be presented, reinforcing Abbott's ongoing investment in research in the rheumatology space."

Presentation Highlights

Data being presented at EULAR include the comprehensive 10-year data for treatment of moderate to severe, long-standing RA in the DE019 trial and in the DE020 follow-up study. DE020 will be presented in a publication, while DE019 will be presented as a poster on 9 June.

Data will also be presented for ABILITY-I, the first, multi-national Phase 3 study evaluating the use of an anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) medication in patients with active non-radiographic axial SpA - a debilitating condition closely related to AS that primarily presents with chronic back pain and stiffness, and can be accompanied by the presence of arthritis, and inflammation in the eye and/or gastrointestinal tract. There is currently no approved treatment for non-radiographic axial SpA. Results from 68 weeks of treatment with HUMIRA will be shown, highlighting not only the initial clinical responses in the 12-week, placebo-controlled trial, but also the responses over an additional year of treatment. These data will be presented as a poster on 7 June.

The initial results will be presented from ABILITY-2, the first Phase 3 study investigating the use of an anti-TNF medication in patients with active peripheral SpA that don't have a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This patient population is characterized by peripheral arthritis (asymmetric, lower limb or both), enthesitis (painful inflammation where a tendon or ligament attaches to bone) or dactylitis (a painful and swollen digit), in addition to the presence of other features (family history of SpA, history of inflammation in the eye, diagnosis of other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, sacroiliitis on MRI). There is currently no approved treatment for non-PsA peripheral SpA. Data following 12-weeks of treatment with HUMIRA will be shown as a poster on 7 June.

Additionally, clinical and patient-reported outcomes will be presented from OPTIMA, the first global prospective trial using a treat-to-target philosophy in the treatment of moderate to severe RA. Treat-to-target is focused on achieving a clearly defined treatment goal within a set duration of time and adjusting the treatment if the target is not met. This approach is aligned to EULAR and American College of Rheumatology (ACR) rheumatoid arthritis treatment recommendations.

A comprehensive list of EULAR abstracts is available at www.eular.org . Specific abstracts related to HUMIRA or the disease states that it helps to treat include the following (all times are CET):

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Final 10-year Results of an Open-label Extension of a Phase 3 Trial of Combination Therapy with Adalimumab Plus Methotrexate in Patients with Long-standing Rheumatoid Arthritis; E. Keystone, et al - Abstract SAT0127; Poster; 9 June, 2012; 10:15 a.m.; Location: Poster Area

Results Following 10 Years of Treatment with Adalimumab in Follow-up Trial; M. Weinblatt, et al - Abstract AB0479; Publication only

Study Evaluating the Long-Term Effectiveness and Safety of Adalimumab in Patients with Moderate Versus Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis; G. Burmester, et al - Abstract FRI0159; Poster; 8 June, 2012; 11:45 a.m.; Location: Poster Area

Results from the OPTIMA Study Evaluating Long-term Disease Control in Early, Moderate to Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis with Adalimumab and Methotrexate; P. Emery, et al - Abstract FRI0171; Poster; 8 June, 2012; 11:45 a.m.; Location: Poster Area

Ankylosing Spondylitis/Spondyloarthritis

Week-68 Results from an Open-label Extension of a Phase 3 Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Adalimumab in Patients with Non-radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis; J. Sieper, et al - Abstract THU0275; Poster; 7 June, 2012; 11:45 a.m.; Location: Poster Area

Results from a Phase 3 Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Adalimumab in Patients with Peripheral Spondyloarthritis; P. Mease, et al - Abstract THU0280; Poster; 7 June, 2012; 11:45 a.m.; Location: Poster Area

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Results from a Phase 3b Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Adalimumab in Children with Active Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Aged 2 to 4 Years or > 4 Years Weighing <15 Kg; D. Kingsbury, et al - Abstract FRI0337; Poster; 8 June, 2012; 11:45 a.m.; Location: Poster Area

Long-Term Safety Across Diseases

Results from an Analysis Evaluating the Long-term Safety of Adalimumab in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Psoriasis and Crohn's Disease; G. Burmester, et al - Abstract SAT0130; Poster; 9 June, 2012; 10:15 a.m.; Location: Poster Area

Health and Economic Outcomes

Results from the OPTIMA Study Related to Adalimumab and Patient-reported Outcomes and Work Productivity in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients; A. Kavanaugh, et al - Abstract AB0450; Publication only

Study Related to the Use of Anti-TNF Therapy and Cardiovascular Event Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis; M. Nurmohamad, et al - Abstract OP0002; Oral Presentation; 6 June, 2012; 4:15 p.m.; Location: Hall 5.2 B

Analysis of Randomized Trials Related to Adalimumab and the Risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Rheumatoid Arthritis; G. Burmester, et al - Abstract FRI0145; Poster Tour; 8 June, 2012; 12:15 p.m.; Location: Poster Area Hall 2.2

Results from a Study Estimating Prevalence and Gender Distribution of Axial Spondyloarthritis Among Patients in US Rheumatology Practices; S. Rao, et al - Abstract FRI0406; Poster Tour; 8 June, 2012; 12:15 p.m.; Location: Poster Area Hall 4.2

General Disease State

Results from an Analysis of Registry Data Comparing the Disease Burden of Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Non-radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis and the Implications on Treatment; J. Sieper, et al - Abstract OP0266; Oral Presentation; 6 June, 2012; 9:50 a.m.; Location: Hall 5.2 B

Results from an Analysis Evaluating Adherence to Subcutaneous vs. Oral Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDS) in Rheumatoid Arthritis; M. Bergman - Abstract AB1376; Publication only

Results from an Analysis of Registry Data Regarding Factors Associated with Work Status and Missed Work Days in Rheumatoid Arthritis; L. Harrold, et al - Abstract SAT0469; Poster; 9 June, 2012; 10:15 a.m.; Location: Poster Area

Approved indications for HUMIRA vary worldwide by country or region.

About HUMIRA® (adalimumab)

Uses

HUMIRA in combination with methotrexate, is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe, active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients when the response to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) including methotrexate has been inadequate and for the treatment of severe, active and progressive rheumatoid arthritis in adults not previously treated with methotrexate. HUMIRA can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to methotrexate or when continued treatment with methotrexate is inappropriate.

HUMIRA in combination with methotrexate is indicated for the treatment of active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, in children and adolescents aged 4 to 17 years who have had an inadequate response to one or more DMARDs. HUMIRA can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to methotrexate or when continued treatment with methotrexate is inappropriate.

HUMIRA is indicated for the treatment of adults with severe active ankylosing spondylitis who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy.

HUMIRA is indicated for the treatment of active and progressive psoriatic arthritis in adults when the response to previous disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug therapy has been inadequate.

The medicine can only be obtained with a prescription.

Important Safety Information

HUMIRA is a TNF blocker medicine that affects the immune system and can lower the ability to fight infections. Serious infections have happened in people taking HUMIRA. These serious infections include tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria that have spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections. People should be tested for TB before HUMIRA use and monitored for signs and symptoms of TB during therapy. People at risk of TB may be treated with medicine for TB. Treatment with HUMIRA should not be started in a person with an active infection, unless approved by a doctor. HUMIRA should be stopped if a person develops a serious infection. People should tell their doctor if they live in or have been to a region where certain fungal infections are common, have had TB, hepatitis B, are prone to infections, or have symptoms such as fever, fatigue, cough, or sores.

For people taking TNF blockers, including HUMIRA, the chance of getting lymphoma or other cancers may increase. Some people have developed a rare type of cancer called hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma. This type of cancer often results in death. If using TNF blockers including HUMIRA, the chance of getting two types of skin cancer (basal cell and squamous cell) may increase. These types are generally not lifethreatening if treated.

Other possible serious side effects with HUMIRA include hepatitis B infection in carriers of the virus, allergic reactions, nervous system problems, blood problems, certain immune reactions, including a lupus-like syndrome, liver problems, and new or worsening heart failure or psoriasis. The use of HUMIRA with anakinra or abatacept is not recommended. People using HUMIRA should not receive live vaccines.

Common side effects of HUMIRA include injection site reactions (redness, rash, swelling, itching, or bruising), upper respiratory infections (including sinus infections), headaches, rash, and nausea.

HUMIRA is given by injection under the skin.

The benefits and risks of HUMIRA should be carefully considered before starting therapy.

This is not a complete list of the Important Safety Information for HUMIRA. For additional important safety information, please click for the Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.

About Abbott

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs approximately 91,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries. Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at www.abbott.com .

SOURCE Abbott

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