Supported by an educational grant from Sanofi Genzyme and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Program Description
As a 2017 Lancet editorial noted, “Knowing which cytokine and signaling pathways to target in specific individuals is a huge advance, but for a complex progressive, chronic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis [RA], the timing of intervention is also critical.” Accordingly, this activity focuses on the need for prompt diagnosis and initiation of treatment for RA, with ongoing assessment and adjustment of therapy in a treat-to-target strategy. All are essential components of the drive to achieve remission or low disease activity and limit the irreversible damage that RA causes.
Intended Audience
Rheumatologists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners
Educational Objectives
After completing the activity, the participant should be better able to:
Recognize the full spectrum of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) manifestations, including the impact on functional ability, quality of life, and elevated risk for myocardial infarction and stroke
Describe RA pathogenesis and the specific targets of available and emerging disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
Identify which patients are suitable candidates for targeted DMARDs and determine optimal timing for initiation of DMARD treatment
Implement guidelines-directed, treat-to-target strategies to achieve RA remission or low disease activity
Incorporate shared decision-making strategies in RA treatment decisions
Individualize RA treatment plans with consideration for patient-centric issues such as tolerability and likelihood of adherence in addition to efficacy and safety
Conflict Of Interest Disclosure Policy
In accordance with the ACCME Standards for Commercial Support, HME requires that individuals in a position to control the content of an educational activity disclose all relevant financial relationships with any commercial interest. HME resolves all conflicts of interest to ensure independence, objectivity, balance, and scientific rigor in all its educational activities.
Faculty
Roy Fleischmann, MD, MACR, Chair Medical Director Metroplex Clinical Research Center Clinical Professor of Medicine University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, TX
Dr. Fleischmann reports that he is a consultant for AbbVie Inc., Amgen Inc., Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Pfizer Inc., and Sanofi USA and receives fees for non-CME services from Pfizer Inc. He also receives research grants from AbbVie Inc., Amgen Inc., Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Novartis, Pfizer Inc., Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Sanofi USA, Samumed LLC, and UCB Inc.
Bernard Combe, MD, PhD Professor of Rheumatology Montpellier University Head, Bone and Joint Department Montpellier University Hospital Montpellier, France
Dr. Combe reports that he is a consultant for and is on the speakers’ bureaus of AbbVie Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Janssen, Lilly, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Pfizer Inc., and UCB Inc. He also receives research funds from Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., and Pfizer Inc.
Accredited Provider Disclosures
Haymarket Medical Education staff involved in the planning and content review of this activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Publishing Staff Disclosures
Lori Marrese and Jill Rovitzky Black have nothing to disclose in regard to commercial support.
Credit
1.00
Type
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM
Accreditation Statement
Haymarket Medical Education is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Designation Statement
Haymarket Medical Education designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM . Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Disclosure of Unlabeled Use
This CME activity may or may not discuss investigational, unapproved, or off-label use of drugs. Participants are advised to consult prescribing information for any products discussed. The information provided in this CME activity is for continuing medical education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician relative to diagnostic and treatment options for a specific patient’s medical condition.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in the educational activity are those of the faculty and do not necessarily represent the views of Haymarket Medical Education, Sanofi Genzyme, and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Please refer to the official prescribing information for each product for discussion of approved indications, contraindications, and warnings.
Instructions
In order to receive credit for this activity, the participant must complete the pre-activity questionnaire, post-test, and program evaluation. Participants must also score at least 70% on the post-test. Certificates will be distributed online at the conclusion of the activity. Your online certificate will be saved on myCME within your Profile/CME History, which you can access at any time.
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