August is Psoriasis Awareness month. Psoriasis is a skin disease but it can also lead to a type of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. As with rheumatoid arthritis psoriatic arthritis causes inflammation and pain in the joints, can can cause disability.
Here are some posts regarding psoriasis:

Efalizumab for Psoriasis May Trigger Psoriatic Arthritis
Press Release: FDA Committee Unanimously Recommends Approval of Ustekinumab for Plaque Psoriasis
Press release: New Guidelines for the Management of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis
Biologic agents for treatment of psoriasis
Press release: Ustekinumab Phase 3 data show long-term improvement of chronic plaque psoriasis
Press release: Humira (adalimumab) Receives FDA Approval For Moderate to Severe …read more

Some of the most useful medications for arthritis treatment are now undergoing a review, according to an FDA announcement. These medications, Enbrel, Humira (Press release: FDA Approves HUMIRA (adalimumab) for Juvenile Arthritis), Remicade, and Cimzia are also used for the treatment of Crohn’s disease because of their effect on reducing inflammation. The drugs are very powerful and must be monitored closely.
The FDA review has been called after reports of children and young adults developing cancer while taking these drugs. The FDA acknowledges that the cancer risk was listed as a warning, but the number of cases has caused concern.
According …read more

Although I mean to make this blog as wide-reaching as possible, most of the news I find is geared towards North America and sometimes Europe and Australia/New Zealand. It’s not from the lack of trying – I do search for news elsewhere.
Today I found that there are two medications now approved for use in Japan to treat the pain and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. For those living with pain caused by RA, this is – hopefully – good news.
Abbott Announces HUMIRA® (adalimumab) Approved In Japan For The Treatment Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Actemra Approved In Japan To Treat Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
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