Clinical Issues in Rheumatoid Arthritis

This activity is jointly provided by Global Education Group and Integritas Communications.

This activity is supported by an educational grant from Gilead Sciences, Inc.

This symposium is an independently organized event and not an official part of the 12^th Annual Perspectives in Rheumatic Diseases Conference. CME/CE credit is provided for this symposium.

Target Audience

The educational design of this activity addresses the needs of clinical rheumatologists and specialist NPs, PAs, and nurses who manage patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Statement of Need/Program Overview

Advances in our understanding of the immunopathologic mechanisms underlying RA have led to the development of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that effectively target relevant pathways. Specifically, members of the Janus kinase (JAK) family of tyrosine kinases play a pivotal role in transducing extracellular cytokine signaling, thereby facilitating key molecular processes involved in cellular proliferation, homeostasis, and host defense against infections.¹ In RA, certain JAK-mediated signaling pathways are dysfunctionally active, leading to enhanced transcription of various proinflammatory genes and aberrant immune responses.² In this Clinical Issues™ program, two expert rheumatologists will discuss the latest insights into JAK activation in RA immunopathology, recent clinical trial data surrounding the efficacy and safety of current and emerging JAK inhibitors, and the evolving roles of this DMARD class in day-to-day practice. The overall goal of this program is to better prepare attendees to parlay the latest evidence on JAK inhibition into optimized RA management.

References

1. Winthrop KL. The emerging safety profile of JAK inhibitors in rheumatic disease. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2017;13(4):234-243.
2. Malemud C. The role of the JAK/STAT signal pathway in rheumatoid arthritis. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2018;10(5-6):117-127.

Educational Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be better able to:

• Describe the roles of JAK/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) signaling in immune responses and homeostasis, including contributions to the immunopathogenesis of RA
• Discuss the clinical profiles of current and emerging JAK inhibitors in RA, including efficacy, safety, and selectivity
• Integrate JAK inhibitors into RA-treatment algorithms based on the latest evidence and guideline recommendations

Physician Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Global Education Group and Integritas Communications. Global Education Groupis accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

This CME/CE activity complies with all requirements of the federal Physician Payment Sunshine Act. If a reportable event is associated with this activity, the accredited provider managing the program will provide the appropriate physician data to the Open Payments database.

Physician Credit Designation

Global Education Group designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest

Global Education Group requires instructors, planners, managers, and other individuals and their spouses/life partners who are in a position to control the content of this activity to disclose any real or apparent conflicts of interest they may have as related to the content of this activity. All identified conflicts of interest are thoroughly vetted by Global Education Group for fair balance, scientific objectivity of studies mentioned in the materials or used as the basis for content, and appropriateness of patient care recommendations.

Program Agenda

9:50 AM - 9:55 AM - Introductions and Preactivity Questionnaire
9:55 AM - 10:10 AM - RA Pathophysiology and the Mechanistic Rationale for JAK Inhibition
10:10 AM - 10:30 AM - Current and Emerging JAK Inhibitors: What is the Evidence in RA?
10:30 AM - 10:40 AM - Integrating JAK Inhibitors into RA Treatment Algorithms
10:40 AM - 10:50 AM - Postactivity Questionnaire and Question & Answer Session

Fee Information & Refund/Cancellation Policy

There is no registration fee for attending this program, however, seating is limited. Preregistration does not guarantee seating. We recommend arriving at the symposium location early.

Americans With Disability Act

Event staff will be glad to assist you with any special needs (ie, physical, dietary, etc). Please contact us prior to the live event at info@exchangecme.com.

Global Education Group Contact Information

For information about the accreditation of this program, please contact Global Education Group at 303-395-1782 or cme@globaleducationgroup.com.