Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group AS mentioned in AARP mag (well almost)

There is a great article on biologics in the Nov/Dec AARP magazine. The article explained how biologics are the new wonder drugs for cancer and auto immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. The article went into great detail as to how biologics are made and why thy are so expensive. Even generic biologics would be expensive to manufacture as compared to chemical drugs. Biosimular drugs would still have to go through clinical trails just as the original biologics did. Of course the exclusivity factor also raises the price. The FTC (Federal Trade Commission predicts future biosimulars will save the consumer 10 to 30 percent (compared to chemical generics that save about 80%).

The article also states that Debra Lappin, president of the Council for American Medical Innovation is an Enbrel user for a rheumatic disease that causes arthritis in the spine and sacroiliac joints.

The article was great, with a lot of good info in it. I just wish they would have mentioned AS by name so people would be more aware of this disease. Most people crinkle there nose and ask What's that??? when you say you have ankylosing spondilitis.

Thank you it might just be helpful to have around!
Lucy

That's very cool, Jeffrey.

I agree it's too bad they didn't name her form of arthritis. The Toronto Star did an article a few years ago, something to do with meds and arthritis, and they interviewed a guy with an undisclosed form of arthritis that affected his spine and cause his posture to be bad. I had the same wish as you - that they'd named it because I was certain it was AS and how the heck are we going to spread the word otherwise!!

Hugs,

Hi
This is the problem they dont name AS and you very rarely see anything about it. You see all sorts of things on tv about other diseases but not AS we are the forgotten few.

Hi Jeffrey,

Thx so much for the info. I always get the AARP magazine, but I think I accidentally threw it out, cuz I can't find it. I will go online and see if the article isn't there. I would love to read it!

I agree with everyone. If we could just get the dx name out there for even doctors to see. So many of them still do not believe the dx. I so often am referred to as an RA patient. I correct them immediately because it is not the same thing ! We may be few but we are mighty!!!ha

Thx for sharing!

Lucy

I will be keeping this issue for future reference.

Hi Kat!!!

How are you doing?

I am very glad I am on Remicade. I don't know what I would do without it. The Lyrica seems to be helping with the fibro. I was really excited to see the article and was sure they were going to mention AS by name. I was kind of disappointed but thought the article was great otherwise.

Hey Kevin

It would be really great if we would see something on AS. Not only would it be validating for those who have it but it also might help someone who has AS and is looking for answers for themselves (or someone they know). At least we have this forum so we are not forgotten.

mama

Gosh... I hope you can find it!!! I went online to the AARP website hoping it was there so I could link it so everyone could read it...but it wasn't there...arrrrgggg!!!!


If someone could find it online it would be awesome to link it to the forum.

Here is the link:

http://www.aarpmagazine.org/health/biologics_new_miracle_drugs.html

Best, Julia