The FDA has granted approval to Abrilada, making it the second interchangeable biosimilar to adalimumab. This decision allows Abrilada (adalimumab-afzb, Pfizer) to be substituted for adalimumab (Humira, Abbvie) at the pharmacy level without the need for intervention or notification of the prescribing provider, in states where it’s permitted. The biosimilar is approved for various conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and Crohn’s disease, among others. The FDA’s approval was based on data from the phase 3 REFLECTIONS B538-12 study, which showed similar outcomes between the reference product and Abrilada. Pfizer plans to make Abrilada available by late October, initially…
Author: Abhay Panchal
Robert Schoen, MD, and Dhiraj Yadav, MD — professors at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine — received 2024 Research Mentor Awards from the American Gastroenterological Association. They are among 11 recipients selected as “outstanding mentors” in their respective research sections: clinical practice for Dr. Schoen and pancreatic disorders for Dr. Yadav, according to an Oct. 4 news release from the university. Both professors teach in the school’s division of gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition.
JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Teva Pharmaceutical Industries will collaborate with French drugmaker Sanofi to develop a treatment for inflammatory bowel disease it hopes will become a blockbuster drug. Sanofi, a leader in immunology, will invest $1.5 billion in the development of Teva’s anti-TL1A drug, the companies said on Wednesday. The drug is still in phase 2 trials, with interim results not expected until the second half of 2024, Phase 3 trials are expected to begin in 2025 and Teva chief executive Richard Francis said the best case scenario for the commercial launch of the drug — which will target both Crohn’s…
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has emphasized the critical need for best practice updates to enhance awareness and treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). The AGA recently published guidance to assist clinicians in the evaluation and management of EPI. The disease is often underdiagnosed, leading to inadequate treatment for many patients. The AGA Institute Clinical Practice Updates Committee reviewed evidence and expert opinions to develop 15 best practice advice statements for EPI diagnosis and management. Key points include the importance of suspecting EPI in patients with high-risk clinical conditions, the use of fecal elastase as the initial test, and the…
GRAIL, LLC, a healthcare company focused on early cancer detection, has unveiled detailed results from its PATHFINDER study on its multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood test in The Lancet. The study involved 6,662 adults over 50 years without cancer symptoms. It revealed that an earlier version of GRAIL’s MCED test could identify numerous cancer types without current recommended screening tests, facilitated targeted cancer diagnostic evaluations, and achieved diagnostic resolution for most participants in under three months. Deb Schrag, MD, MPH, emphasized the potential of screening for multiple cancers using a single blood sample. The study found that the test’s cancer…
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis presented at the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) 2023 Annual Meeting in San Diego indicates that immunosuppressive therapy can enhance native liver survival in children with autoimmune hepatitis who are experiencing acute liver failure. The study revealed that a combined treatment of corticosteroids and immunomodulators is linked to improved rates of native liver survival in pediatric patients suffering from acute liver failure due to autoimmune hepatitis. This could guide clinicians towards interventions that might eliminate the need for liver transplants in younger patients. Dr. Harry Sutton, from the Toronto…
An exciting era of safer, more effective, and minimally invasive gastrointestinal patient care is being made possible with advances in endoscopic ultrasound. With new EUS trainees in the endoscopy suite, it is a time to recognize the importance of introducing a new generation of gastroenterologists to the frontiers of EUS. Although an additional year of training in EUS and other advanced endoscopic procedures now is considered a standard approach for those pursuing a career providing cutting-edge endoscopic procedures after gastroenterology fellowship, it is increasingly recognized that perfecting every procedure and technique is not readily accomplished in 1 year. As such,…
Dr. Eric Esrailian, a gastroenterologist and health sciences clinical professor of medicine at UCLA, shared his perspective on the choice between private practice and employment for physicians. If he were to start his career again, Dr. Esrailian mentioned that he always saw himself being part of an academic institution due to the potential for community and global impact. Given the current medical landscape, he finds employment-based opportunities attractive for young graduates. Reasons include long-term income stability, benefits, and support. Institutions like UCLA Health offer clinician-educator career tracks, allowing for personal and professional growth while contributing to the community. Dr. Esrailian…
Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey (GANJ) and Oshi Health have announced a groundbreaking partnership to introduce innovative hybrid models for multidisciplinary digestive care. This collaboration will offer patients a blend of in-person GI appointments and procedures, along with 24×7 on-demand care between in-person visits. Additionally, patients will have access to GI-trained registered dietitians, licensed psychologists, social workers, health coaches, and advanced practice providers, all supervised by a team of gastroenterologists. Dr. George N. Pavlou, the President & CEO of GANJ, emphasized the goal to create a seamless integration between in-person and virtual GI care, enhancing continuous care for patients and…
Dive deep with Bara El Kurdi, MD, host of the GI StartUp podcast, as he shares the critical importance of innovation in GI. This conversation is a goldmine for anyone passionate about the evolving landscape of gastroenterology and digital health. Highlights: Dr. Bara El Kurdi’s raises a red alert for GI. He says, “If something happens and your income has to be cut down by 40% or 50%, you only have yourself to blame…you should have a back-up plan ready and be able to move forward in any type of situation or scenario.” It’s one of those interviews you’d want…