Optimizing Biologic Therapy & Clinical Assessment to Improve Outcomes in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Faculty

Needs Statement

Clinical experts in the field of rheumatology support the need to educate and update clinicians with the most up-to-date data on the efficacy of the older and newer biologics in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in biologic-naïve patients and in those who failed on a previous biologic.  The efficacy of using the same class of biologic versus a biologic with a different mechanism of action in a treatment-failure patient is also addressed.

Target Audience

This activity is intended for rheumatologists and other healthcare professionals who manage the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.

Objectives

1. Describe the clinical evidence and potential impact of biologic agents in RA;
2. Apply clinical measurement tools and imaging studies to properly assess disease status in RA;
3. Institute a plan for early and aggressive management of RA, including methods for switching biologic agents with necessary, to optimize patient outcomes.

To be eligible for credit, participants must participate in the full educational activity, complete the post-test with a score of 70% or better, and complete the online evaluation form.

Accreditation

Medicine
The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (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.

Faculty Disclosure

Dr. Wells serves as a consultant to Abbott Laboratories, Inc., Amgen Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Centocor, Inc., Genentech, Inc.

No members of the planning committee report any relevant financial relationships with commercial interests of healthcare products or services related to this activity.

This educational activity does not contain discussion of off-label or investigational use of drugs or devices.

Activity Sponsorship

Supported by an educational grant from:
Abbott Laboratories, Amgen Inc and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Centocor, Inc, Genentech, Inc and Biogen Idec Inc, and UCB, Inc.

 

Copyright © 2008 by North American Center for Continuing Medical Education, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this accredited continuing education activity may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without first obtaining permission from the North American Center for Continuing Medical Education.