Current studies for:
Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, Gout, Fibromyalgia, Low back pain, Osteoporosis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Psoriasis, Diabetic Neuropathy, Scleroderma, Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and Raynauds
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune and inflammatory disorder of unclear etiology. It is characterized by a symmetric polyarthritis, which is often erosive, resulting in irreversible damage to the joints. Although the musculoskeletal manifestations usually dominate the clinical picture, extra-articular manifestations are also common and on rare occasions can be life-threatening. RA is the most common immune-mediated inflammatory arthropathy, with a prevalence of up to 1/.5% in North America.
CPSG is working with the latest medications to treat RA. These are targeted medications which work within the inflammatory cascade to prevent progression of joint destruction. We have study protocols using anti-TNF agents, IL-6 inhibitors, B-cell inhibitors, and small molecules.
OSTEOARTHRITIS
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and one the most common reason for physician visits. OA typically progresses slowly over decades and years, generally with minimal inflammation, especially when compared to RA. The pathogenesis of this disorder involves complex interactions among genetic factors, environmental influences, and local changes in cartilage and bone biology.
OA of the knee frequently presents with pain, swelling and stiffness. Patients with advanced OA of the knee frequently complain of instability, and falls may result from the affected knee buckling or giving way. The patient may be unable to walk any distance, and climbing up or down stairs with a normal alternating gait is not possible.
OA of the hip typically produces pain in the groin, although symptoms are also commonly referred to the knee. Pain in the buttock and anterior thigh usually develops in more advanced cases of hip arthritis. As this arthritis progresses, mobility is lost. Patients note that they are unable to put on their socks and have difficulty getting in or out of a car.
CPSG is working with several novel medications which decrease the perception of pain and thus allow patients to function more normally. We have studies for OA of the knee, OA of the hip, and low back pain.
PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS
The overall prevalence of psoriasis in the United States is about 1-2%, with men and women affected equally. More than 10% of patients with psoriasis have an associated inflammatory arthritis. The arthritis of psoriasis may be very aggressive, and like RA, may cause destruction of joints.
CPSG is working with several of the new biologic medications for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
GOUT
Gout is a common inflammatory arthritis triggered by monosodium urate crystals deposited within the joints. The first metatarsophalangeal joint (the big toe) is frequently the site for an acute gout attack. Joints with prior trauma, or joints with osteoarthritis may also be vulnerable to acute gout attacks. The major risk factor for gout is hyperuricemia. Rapid changes in serum urate concentration, as with the beginning of urate-lowering medication, may also paradoxically precipitate an acute gout attack.
CPSG is involved in a clinical trial with a medication thought to inhibit acute gout attacks when beginning or increasing a urate-lowering medication.
FIBROMYALGIA
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a disorder of chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain without a clearly defined pathophysiology. It is estimated to affect approximately 2% of the US population, and 80% of those affected are women. The diagnosis is made when 11 out of 18 discretely defined bilateral symmetrical soft tissue "tender points" are symptomatic for longer than 3 months. Fibromyalgia is a clinical diagnosis since there are no diagnostic tests that can definitely conform or exclude FMS. FMS is not felt to be an immunologically mediated or myopathic disorder. The evidence so far suggests that FMS is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by dysregulation in pain-processing mechanisms.
CPSG is working with several novel medications aimed to decrease the pain associated with FMS.
OSTEOPOROSIS
Osteoporosis is a chronic progressive disorder that is deined by the presence of low bone mass, micro-architectural deterioration, bone fragility and increased susceptibility to fracture. Roughly 25 million Americans are estimated to have osteoporosis. The impact of osteoporosis on public health is enormous. In the United States, an estimated 1.5 million fractures per year are attributed to low bone mass. Annually, there are about 700,000 vertebral fractures, 300,000 hip fractures, and 250,000 wrist fractures. Despite advances in the management of hip fractures, mortality within the first year after a hip fracture remains in excess of 20%. Fewer than one third of hip fracture patients are ultimately restored to their prefracture functional status. Some estimates indicate that short-term costs associated with a new hip fracture exceed $40,000.
CPSG continues to work with many therapeutic agents to prevent and improve osteoporosis
PSORIASIS
According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune disease that appears on the skin. It occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis is not contagious. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. It appears as raised, red patches or lesions covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells, called scale.
Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of the joints, which is known as psoriatic arthritis. Ten to fifteen percent of people with psoriasis have psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis can occur on any part of the body and is associated with other serious health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and depression.
DIABETIC NEUROPATHY
Neuropathy means nerve disease or damage. Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by diabetes. People with diabetes often have high blood sugar levels. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage nerves throughout your body. People with diabetes commonly develop temporary or permanent damage to nerve tissue. Nerve injuries are caused by decreased blood flow and high blood sugar levels, and are more likely to develop if blood sugar levels are not well controlled. Approximately 50% of people with diabetes will eventually develop nerve damage known as diabetic neuropathy.
SCLERODERMA
Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can cause tightening and thickening of the skin, thickening of blood vessels, and damage of internal organs. The disease usually affects adults between the ages of 30 and 50 and affects more women than men. There are two types of scleroderma: Localized scleroderma and generalized scleroderma. Localized scleroderma affects mainly the skin, while generalized scleroderma is a systemic disease that may affect many parts of the body.
ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS (AS)
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS); an autoimmune disease, causes pain and inflammation of the joints of the spine. Ankylosing Spondylitis affects the the area where your spine meets your pelvis. In many people, joints of the arms and legs can also be affected. If left untreated, it eventually can cause the affected spinal bones to fuse together. Early diagnosis and treatment helps manage symptoms and may help to limit damage to the spine and damage to other joints.
RAYNAUDS
Raynaud's disease; an autoimmune disease is a common vascular disorder characterized by episodes of constriction of very small arteries in the fingers and skin usually in response to cold temperatures or stress. Symptoms in the fingers include unusual paleness, absence of color, and/or a red or bluish color to the skin. Occasionally other parts of the body are affected including the nose, ears, and/or tongue. Raynaud's disease is a common benign condition and does not usually occur in association with any other underlying disorder.