Overview

The addition of the newer agents with novel mechanisms of action has expanded the armamentarium of biologic treatment options for the patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). With this expansion of therapeutic choices, several key clinical issues need to be addressed to ensure rational and clinically sound application of abatacept and rituximab in clinical practice including:

• Protocols and procedures for overcoming inadequate response to TNF inhibition in moderate to severe RA
• Protocols and procedures for maintenance therapy of new biologics
• Short- and long-term safety issues and safety surveillance
• Protocols and procedures for managing side effects
• Improving physician-patient communication

Activity Design

The following series uses an interactive, case-based format to identify, assess, and evaluate the available scientific research on and clinical experience with the use of rituximab and abatacept in patients with moderate to severe RA.

Learning Objectives

Activity Director

Leonard H. Calabrese, DO
Professor of Medicine
Vice Chairman, Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases
RJ Fasenmyer Chair of Clinical Immunology
Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve
   University
Cleveland, Ohio

Activity
Director Disclosure

In accordance with the Standards for Commercial Support issued by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Center for Continuing Education requires resolution of all faculty conflicts of interest to ensure CME activities are free of commercial bias.

Dr. Calabrese has indicated that he may have a relationship which, in the context of his presentation(s), could be perceived as a potential conflict of interest: