Rheumatology Network Explores Roadblocks to Research for New Treatments
NORWALK, Conn., Jan. 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- UBM Medica US announces that Rheumatology Network, a leading online community for rheumatologists, features expert debate on the roadblocks to research into new treatments for rheumatic diseases.
In the article The 'Demise' of Rheuma Drug Trials: What Next?, Rheumatology Network reveals that a collaborative network of doctors doing rheumatology research in Canada has closed up shop, and cites the reasons why they found it impossible to continue testing new treatments for these diseases. The article has prompted vigorous response from specialists in the United States, who warn of the same problems:
- Unacceptable protocols that require patients to change treatments that may appear to be succeeding,
- Criteria that make the population under study quite different from the kinds of patients that doctors actually see (and therefore may make the study irrelevant to most of them)
- Onerous regulations that make clinical research a money-losing proposition for most doctors.
In a comment to the article, one reader describes why doing clinical trials has become a "logistical nightmare."
A second reader writes, "Funding academics to show lack of efficacy of medications that clearly work has already happened," and a third says it is "almost impossible as a solo rheumatologist to serve the health needs of my community and also devote time to [clinical trials]."
Rheumatic diseases, which affect the joints and can cause chronic pain, are a broad spectrum of disorders including arthritis, lupus, and gout. According to the American College of Rheumatology, arthritis alone affects about 25% of Americans.
Although the problems under discussion are not unique to rheumatology, they are a particular challenge for rheumatic diseases, many of which are relatively rare and still lack treatments that are safe and broadly effective.
About UBM Medica US
Addressing today's healthcare information needs, UBM Medica US, delivers strategic, integrated communications solutions and comprehensive reach -- online, in print, via custom programs and live events. Improving the effectiveness of healthcare through information and education, UBM Medica US provides unbiased clinical, practical, and business information for physicians, providers and payers resulting in improved quality of care for patients around the world. Through journals, magazines, online communities, live and digital events, and other valuable resources, UBM Medica US also delivers comprehensive communication solutions for the pharmaceutical and related industries. Online communities include CancerNetwork.com, ConsultantLive.com, DiagnosticImaging.com, RheumatologyNetwork.com, OBGYN.net, PhysiciansPractice.com, PsychiatricTimes.com and SearchMedica.com. UBM Medica US is part of UBM Connect which, through a range of aligned interactive environments, both physical and digital – increases business effectiveness for both customers and audiences through meaningful experiences, knowledge and connections. Headquartered in New York, UBM Connect brings together UBM's healthcare business, UBM Medica US; UBM Canon's advanced design and manufacturing event, online and print brands; UBM Connect New York's catering, cruise shipping, customer management, and fine, specialty and custom chemical communities; and UBM Mexico's concrete show. For more information, visit www.UBMMedicaUS.com.
About UBM plc
UBM plc is a global events-led marketing services and communications company. We help businesses do business, bringing the world's buyers and sellers together at events and online, as well as producing and distributing news and specialist content. Our 5,500 staff in more than 30 countries are organized into expert teams which serve commercial and professional communities, helping them to do business and their markets to work effectively and efficiently.
For more information, go to www.ubm.com; follow us on Twitter at @UBM_plc to get the latest UBM corporate news.
Media contact:
Jason J. Golden
Content Marketing Manager
203-523-7040
[email protected]
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150126/171244LOGO
SOURCE UBM Medica US
Share this article