Pathology and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Proof of Concept: Tocilizumab, an IL-6 Receptor Antagonist for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Faculty

Needs Statement

Biologic agents that block TNF have proven highly effective in improving the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), preventing the progression of joint damage, and improving functional status and quality of life. The introduction of TNF inhibitors has helped elevate the goals of treating RA, such that low disease activity or even remission are commonly considered appropriate therapeutic aims. Although they can be effective, up to half of patients treated with TNF inhibitors may not reach such optimal levels of disease control, suggesting that additional mechanisms are important in disease pathogensis and may be useful targets for therapy.

IL-6 is a proinflammatory cytokine associated with both the joint disease and systemic comorbidities associated with RA. The symposium will describe the role of IL-6 in the RA cytokine network. It will also review the incidence, risk factors and consequences of cardiovascular disease and the anemia of chronic disease, two principal comorbid conditions associated with RA.

The results of current clinical trials of tocilizumab, a direct IL-6 receptor inhibitor, will also be reviewed. The discussion will include effects on joint disease and on major RA comorbidities, focusing on the potential therapeutic benefits and challenges.

Target Audience

This activity is intended for Physicians, Pharmacists, and Nurses whose specialty is Rheumatology.

Objectives

1. Describe the role of IL-6 in the cytokine network associated with RA pathogenesis;
2. Explain how IL-6 contributes to cardiovascular disease, and anemia of chronic disease, the principal systemic complications of RA;
3. Discuss the relative benefits and challenges associated with the clinical use of the first direct IL-6 receptor inhibitor, tocilizumab, on articular and systemic manifestations of RA;
4. Discuss the relative benefits and challenges associated with the clinical use of the first direct IL-6 raceptor inhibitor, tocilizumab, on articular and systemic manifestations of RA.

Accreditation

Medicine
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and CTI Clinical Trial & Consulting Services. The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit actually spent in the educational activity.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine presents this activity for educational purposes only. Participants are expected to utilize their own expertise and judgment while engaged in the practice of medicine. The content of the presentations is provided solely by presenters who have been selected for presentations because of recognized expertise in their field.

Pharmacy
The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.

This activity has been assigned ACPE # 022-999-08-012-H01-P and will award up to 0.50 contact hours (0.05 CEUs) of continuing pharmacy education credit in states that recognize ACPE providers.

Statements of credit will indicate hours and CEUs based on participation and will be issued online at the conclusion of the activity. Successful completion includes completing the activity, its accompanying evaluation and/or posttest (score 70% or higher) and requesting credit online at conclusion of the activity. The College complies with the Accreditation Standards for Continuing Pharmacy Education.

Nursing
Educational Review Systems is an approved provider of continuing education in nursing by ASNA, an accredited provider by the ANCC/Commission on Accreditation and designates this educational activity for a maximum of 0.50 hour(s). Provider # 05-115-08-016

Educational Review Systems is also approved for nursing continuing education by the state of California and the District of Columbia.

Faculty Disclosure

Dr. Kavanaugh receives contract research support from Roche.

Activity Sponsorship

This activity is jointly sponsored by the University of Kentucky and CTI Clinical Trial & Consulting Services. Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Roche Laboratories Inc..