Latest news with #PsA
Medscape
4 days ago
- General
- Medscape
How Lifestyle Changes Can Make a Difference in PsA
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by dactylitis, enthesitis, peripheral arthritis, skin and nail psoriasis, and spondylitis, occurs in around 10%-30% of people with psoriasis. While several pharmacological treatment strategies exist, PsA continues to significantly impact patients' pain levels, functional capacity, and mental well-being. Along with joint and skin manifestations, PsA is associated with several comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), central sensitization syndrome, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, fatty liver disease, gout, infections, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, osteoporosis, and uveitis, all of which negatively impact quality of life (QOL). Patients with PsA are also more likely to experience psychological issues, such as anxiety and depression. Given these challenges, nonpharmacological interventions play a key role in disease management. Healthy lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications, regular exercise, and quitting smoking — along with psychological interventions — are essential to improve PsA and QOL. Here are common nonpharmacological interventions that can improve symptoms and QOL of patients with PsA. In their treatment guideline, the American College of Rheumatology and National Psoriasis Foundation (ACR/NPF) recommend nonpharmacological interventions for PsA, including acupuncture, low-impact exercise, massage, occupational therapy, physical therapy, smoking cessation, and weight loss despite weak evidence for all except smoking cessation. The Importance of Physical Activity in Reducing Inflammation Physical activity and targeted exercises play an important role in reducing inflammation, disease severity, and outcomes in patients with PsA. Studies have found that exercise, particularly when combined with dietary modifications, can improve PsA symptoms. The ACR/NPF recommend low-impact exercise over high-impact exercise for managing PsA. In their guideline, the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology notes regular physical activity as an integral part of care for patients with PsA. Regular exercise, including resistance training, aerobic, and flexibility exercises may improve and preserve joint function, reduce inflammation, and enhance QOL in patients with PsA. A 12-week single-blind parallel randomized controlled trial by Silva et al found functional training and resistance training similarly improved disease activity, functional capacity, functional status, general QOL, and muscle strength in patients with PsA. The Link Between Diet and Inflammation in PsA Dietary interventions focused on weight loss alleviate mechanical strain on the joints and reduce the risk of CVD in patients with PsA. Weight loss has also been shown to improve disease activity. Moreover, research suggests some dietary modifications, along with exercise, can improve PsA disease outcomes independent of weight loss. Diets rich in saturated fats or certain omega-6 fatty acids while anti-inflammatory diets can improve PsA symptoms and disease activity. Among various anti-inflammatory diets, the Mediterranean diet has gained the most popularity as studies have found it to be associated with lower disease activity in patients with PsA. According to the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation, patients with PsA may consider the Mediterranean diet on a trial basis in conjunction with pharmacotherapy. The NPF medical board also emphasizes increased intake of fiber, complex carbohydrates, monosaturated fatty acids, and omega-3 fatty acids. Although other dietary interventions for improving PsA are less studied, a case report by Lewandowska et al found a whole-food vegan diet improved PsA symptoms a 40-year-old woman. Further research, however, is needed to confirm the role of vegetarian or vegan diets in modulating PsA disease activity. Smoking: What Role Does It Play? The association between smoking and the development of PsA remains inconclusive, with studies yielding mixed results. At the population level, smoking is positively associated with PsA. However, some studies suggest smoking increases the risk of developing PsA, while others indicate no significant association between cigarette smoking and the progression of joint damage. Beyond disease onset, smoking has been linked to poorer treatment outcomes in PsA. An observational cohort study by Højgaard et al found that patients with PsA who smoke had poor responses to treatment with tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors and were also less likely to adhere to their treatment plan. Additionally, smoking is a risk factor for CVD and other comorbidities common in PsA. Therefore, smoking cessation is an important lifestyle intervention for patients with PsA — not only to improve treatment efficacy but also to reduce the risk of other comorbidities, thereby improving the QOL. Integrating Weight Management in PsA Care The relationship between PsA and obesity appears to be bidirectional: Research has shown obesity is a common risk factor for developing PsA and that joint dysfunction and reduced physical activity due to PsA itself may result in weight gain. Patients with PsA and obesity often exhibit higher disease activity and poor response to treatment. An interventional study by Klingberg et al showed weight loss treatment with a very low energy diet improved disease activity, pain, fatigue, and C-reactive protein in patients with PsA and obesity. Similarly, another study by Klingberg et al also reported improvement in PsA disease activity after 12 months of weight loss treatment. In addition to diet and exercise, GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonists and incretins associated with weight loss may benefit patients with PsA and obesity. However, research on the effect of such drugs on PsA is quite limited still and requires further investigation. The Bidirectional Link Between Sleep and Inflammation In addition to obesity, there also appears to be a bidirectional relationship between PsA and sleep disorders. Persistent sleep disorders in PsA may be interconnected with inflammatory disease activity, chronic pain, fatigue, and psychological distress, creating a vicious cycle where each factor intensifies the others. Prolonged and significant decline in sleep quality reduces overall QOL and increases a patient's risk of developing CVD, hypertension, and metabolic disorders, comorbid conditions associated with PsA. Prolonged deterioration of sleep quality can negatively impact the QOL of PsA patients and increase the risk of developing hypertension, CVD, and metabolic disorders. Several lifestyle changes can help to improve sleep quality in patients with PsA. These include maintaining regular sleep-wake cycles, limiting alcohol and caffeine intake, and improving the patient's sleeping environment. Additionally, medications used to treat PsA — such as guselkumab, tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab), and the Janus kinase inhibitor filgotinib — have shown potential in improving sleep outcomes in patients with PsA. The Psychological Burden of PsA Pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depression are common psychological comorbidities of PsA that have a negative impact on QOL. The odds of being diagnosed with behavioral and mental health disorders are higher in patients with PsA compared to the general population. Even with treatment, studies have shown that PsA affects patients emotionally, socially, and occupationally, underscoring the importance of comprehensive management since targeting the inflammatory activity of PsA alone may not improve the QOL. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-established psychological intervention that can improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances in patients with PsA. It can also improve sleep quality in PsA patients. Although research is limited, the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to improve psychological distress may in turn improve overall QOL in patients with PsA. Although research on this is limited, CBT can prove to be beneficial in improving mood disorders and the overall QOL of PsA patients.
Business Standard
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Biocon Biologics and Yoshindo Inc. launch Ustekinumab Biosimilar in Japan
Biocon Biologics, subsidiary of Biocon, announced today that its commercial partner in Japan, Yoshindo Inc., has launched Ustekinumab BS Subcutaneous Injection [YD], a biosimilar to the reference product Stelara (ustekinumab). The biosimilar ustekinumab, developed and manufactured by Biocon Biologics, is commercialized and marketed in Japan by Yoshindo Inc. Ustekinumab, a monoclonal antibody, is approved for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). In April 2024, the Company entered into a settlement and licensing agreement with Janssen Biotech Inc., Janssen Sciences Ireland, and Johnson & Johnson (collectively known as Janssen) to commercialize Ustekinumab in Japan upon regulatory approval. Biocon Biologics' biosimilar Ustekinumab BS Subcutaneous Injection [YD] was approved by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) of Japan in December 2024. Biocon Biologics has already launched Ustekinumab in the United States and Europe in February 2025 to help patients manage their chronic conditions.
Business Upturn
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Biocon subsidiary and Yoshindo expand access to Ustekinumab Biosimilar in Japan
Biocon Biologics Ltd (BBL), a fully integrated global biosimilars company and a subsidiary of Biocon Ltd, announced that its commercial partner in Japan, Yoshindo Inc., has launched Ustekinumab BS Subcutaneous Injection [YD], a biosimilar version of the reference drug Stelara® (ustekinumab). This biosimilar ustekinumab, developed and manufactured by Biocon Biologics, is being marketed and commercialized in Japan by Yoshindo Inc. Ustekinumab is a monoclonal antibody indicated for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The biosimilar was developed and manufactured by Biocon Biologics and received approval from Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) in December 2024. This launch follows a settlement and licensing agreement signed in April 2024 between Biocon Biologics and Janssen Biotech Inc., Janssen Sciences Ireland, and Johnson & Johnson, allowing commercialization of Ustekinumab in Japan after regulatory approval. Biocon Biologics had earlier launched the biosimilar Ustekinumab in the United States and Europe in February 2025, expanding its availability to help patients manage chronic inflammatory conditions. Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
Medscape
20-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Lefties With PsA May Have More Peripheral Damage
Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who were left-handed had increased peripheral damage on radiographic assessment, particularly in the hands, with a greater impact observed on the left side. METHODOLOGY: The study used statistical models to prospectively evaluate data from 359 patients (57% men) with PsA who were followed for a median of 14 years. At baseline, the mean duration of cutaneous-only psoriasis was 15.8 years, the mean patient age was 43.7 years, and the mean body mass index was 28.3. A total of 35 patients were left-handed, which was defined as using the left hand to write. The primary outcome was the modified Steinbrocker score (mSS) based on radiographic assessment of the patients' hands (28 joints) and feet (12 joints), in which each joint was rated from 0 (normal) to 4 (total joint destruction, either lysis or ankylosis). TAKEAWAY: Left-handedness was significantly associated with increased overall radiographic progression in the hands, with a total estimated mSS in both hands of 6.34 (95% CI, 0.24-12.44; P = .04). = .04). Left-handedness was also significantly associated with radiographic progression in the left hand, with an estimated mSS in the left hand of 3.37 (95% CI, 0.25-6.48; P = .04). IN PRACTICE: 'It seemed that left-handed people — who have difficulty adjusting to everyday tools in a world where the majority of people are right-handed — had to adjust to assessment instruments, possibly reflecting real-world design bias,' the study author said in an interview. SOURCE: The study, led by Fadi Kharouf, MD, clinical research fellow at the University of Toronto/University Health Network, Toronto, was presented at the Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network (SPARTAN) 2025 Annual Meeting. LIMITATIONS: The limitations of the study were not reported. DISCLOSURES: The study was conducted as part of the Gladman Krembil Psoriatic Arthritis Program, which is supported by the Krembil Foundation and the Schroeder Arthritis Institute. Kharouf disclosed that he is supported by a fellowship from the Kremlin Foundation.
WebMD
15-05-2025
- Health
- WebMD
How PsA Impacts Mental Health
Many people believe that arthritis only affects older people. This is simply not the case. PsA can occur at any age, even in children and young adults. It is not the best news to find out you have a lifelong chronic health condition that will change your life forever. It is not surprising that people can have extremely negative thoughts and feelings with a new diagnosis. A diagnosis of PsA can cause an immense and overwhelming sense of loss, anxiety, and distress. You may also grieve your former self and your former life. These thoughts and feelings along with diminishing participation in enjoyable activities, you used to love. This can often lead to the development of stress, anxiety, and depression. As a person living with psoriatic arthritis for over 20 years, trust me when I say that you need to take care of both your physical health and your mental health. You can't have one without the other. The physical symptoms of PsA, along with the potential for developing life-changing mental health conditions, can significantly impact a person's quality of life. This can lead to reduced productivity in certain aspects of your life, social isolation or withdrawal from your favorite activities, and an overall lower sense of well-being. There's this crazy two-way relationship between PsA and mental health. It's an insane, relentless constant battle between the pain and inflammation associated with PsA and trying to have a somewhat 'normal' life. This battle can contribute to depression and anxiety, and oftentimes mental health issues can make the pain and the fatigue worse. It's like a rollercoaster ride of emotions and you simply cannot get off. Let's talk about the anxiety that comes from having PsA. Anxiety is so much more than just feeling stressed or worried. It's an overwhelming feeling when you feel like you have no control over your body or how you feel. Some days you'll feel ready to take on the world, and other days you may not even want to leave the house because of how anxious you feel. Anxiety is when these anxious feelings don't go away and are ongoing. This often occurs when you have PsA or other chronic illnesses. It can truly make it hard to cope with daily life. For someone experiencing anxiety, these feelings can't be easily controlled and can sometimes spiral. Many people with anxiety have symptoms of more than one type of anxiety disorder, which can often include depression. Anxiety is extremely common, and the sooner you get help, the sooner you can begin to learn coping strategies and how to handle it. Next up, let's discuss how depression and PsA are linked. While we can all feel sad, anxious, moody or low from time to time, some people will experience these feelings intensely, often for long periods of time. This could go on daily, or for weeks, months or even years. Depression is so much more than just feeling sad or down, and it can often become exasperated when dealing with PsA. It's a serious condition that has an impact on both your physical and emotional well-being. It can feel like a deep, dark, sinking headspace you cannot escape from. It drains all of the happiness from your life and can make you feel hopeless. PsA can make you feel like your body is fighting against you. It's literally your immune system attacking itself. Both PsA and depression can affect how you feel about yourself, how you feel about your health, and in doing so, it makes life much more difficult to manage each day. You may lose interest in working, your favorite hobbies, spending time with family or friends, and doing things you normally would love to do. You may also lack energy, enthusiasm, and have trouble sleeping. It's also possible to find yourself sleeping more, feeling anxious or irritable, or find it extremely difficult to focus on just about anything. PsA makes sleeping hard enough, but adding in anxiety and depression makes it so much more of a challenge. Having both PsA and depression can feel like the entire weight of the world is on your shoulders, crushing you at times, and making it difficult to free yourself. You can feel trapped in your own body most days, especially during a flare. It's like your mind and body are imprisoned, and you can't escape. If left untreated, psoriatic arthritis and depression can greatly impact a person's ability to keep an active and enjoyable life. When PsA and depression coexist, a person's ability to function in everyday life is hindered in so many ways. People whose PsA is well controlled are less likely to be depressed than people whose PsA is not well controlled. In addition, people without depression often can achieve better control of their PsA than people with depression. Navigating how to manage your PsA, along with both anxiety and depression can greatly improve your well-being and overall quality of life. This can help improve their arthritis symptoms, reduce stress, prevent flares, and change your overall attitude. If you have anxiety and/or depression, you may find it difficult to take the first step in getting the help you need. It's important to get the support of family, friends, and a health professional. The first step is acknowledging how you are feeling. Your feelings are valid. The next step is asking for or seeking help. Do not shy away from this or keep putting it off. It is so important to address these mental health issues head-on and be your own health advocate. The good news is that there are a range of treatment options, therapists, and health professionals and services available to help with depression as well as a ton of information on how you can help yourself. You can even ask your primary care doctor or rheumatologist for doctor recommendations and treatment options. I love to ask my doctor all kinds of questions when I go to my appointments and seek out the best treatment options for the symptoms I am dealing with. Helpful Strategies and Tips Monitor your thoughts and feelings in a journal: Write down what triggers you or causes you to flare. Help manage your stress by doing something relaxing or something you love. Seek out the support of family, friends, or a therapist. Talk with your doctor and find a treatment plan that works for you. Become your own health advocate and voice your concerns. Visit your doctor regularly to keep up with your PsA and mental health management/treatments. Get involved in online support groups, forums, or social media for PsA, anxiety, and depression. Go for walks, or get outside (the fresh air and scenery will clear your mind).
