Monthly Archives: October 2019

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Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is a flowering herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat numerous conditions, including psoriasis, stomach issues, heartburn, and low mood.

As such, you may wonder whether these benefits are backed by scientific evidence, and whether the plant has any side effects.

This article examines Oregon grape, explaining everything you need to know about its uses and side effects.

Despite its name, Oregon grape does not produce grapes.

Instead, its root and stalk contain active plant compounds, which may combat bacterial and fungal infections, as well as inflammatory and skin conditions (1, 2).

One of these compounds, berberine, has both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it effective at treating many diseases (1).

Oregon grape is found in a variety of products intended for oral or topical use, including supplements, extracts, oils, creams, and tinctures. You can look for these products online or in various health stores.

Oregon grape contains berberine, a powerful plant compound that may relieve many health conditions. This herb is available in various supplements, oils, creams, and extracts.

Some evidence suggests that Oregon grape reduces the severity of symptoms associated with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

These common, inflammatory skin conditions can be chronic and occur anywhere on your body. Psoriasis is characterized by reddish, scaly patches of skin, whereas atopic dermatitis is a severe form of eczema that causes itchy, dry skin (1).

In a 6-month study in 32 people with psoriasis who applied an Oregon grape topical cream, 63% reported that the product was equal or superior to the standard pharmaceutical treatment (3).

Likewise, in a 12-week study, 39 people who used an Oregon grape cream experienced significantly improved psoriasis symptoms, which remained stable and didnt require any follow-up treatment for 1 month (3).

Furthermore, a 3-month study in 42 people with atopic dermatitis observed improvements in symptoms after having them apply a skin cream containing Oregon grape3 times daily (4).

Though these results are promising, more rigorous research is necessary to determine this herbs ability to treat these conditions.

Small-scale human studies indicate that Oregon grape may treat psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. All the same, more research is needed.

Oregon grape is a versatile plant with numerous other potential benefits.

Berberine, an active compound in Oregon grape, demonstrates strong antimicrobial activity (1, 5).

Its used mainly to treat diarrhea and parasitic infections caused by bacteria (5).

Moreover, a test-tube study revealed that Oregon grape extracts exhibit antimicrobial activity against certain harmful bacteria, fungi, and protozoa (6).

Multiple studies demonstrate similar results, indicating that berberine may combat MRSA and other bacterial infections, such as those caused by E. coli (7, 8, 9).

The berberine in Oregon grape may ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as well as other stomach issues like gut inflammation.

In an 8-week study in 196 people with IBS, those who received a berberine treatment experienced reductions in diarrhea frequency, abdominal pain, and overall IBS symptoms, compared with those on a placebo (10).

Animal studies using this compound have suggested improvements not only in IBS symptoms but also in other stomach conditions like gut inflammation (11, 12).

Still, human research on the effects of Oregon grape and gut inflammation is lacking.

Due to the anti-inflammatory effects of berberine, Oregon grape may help prevent heartburn and related damage to your esophagus (13).

Heartburn is a common symptom of acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid rises into your esophagus. Heartburn triggers a painful, burning sensation in your throat or chest.

In a study in rats with acid reflux, those treated with berberine had less esophageal damage than those treated with omeprazole, a common pharmaceutical heartburn treatment (13).

Keep in mind that human research is needed.

Some evidence indicates that berberine, an active compound in Oregon grape, may alleviate symptoms of depression and chronic stress (14, 15, 16, 17).

In a 15-day study in mice, a berberine treatment increased levels of serotonin and dopamine by 19% and 52%, respectively (18).

These hormones are known to help regulate your mood.

Yet, human research is needed before Oregon grape can be recommended as a treatment for depression.

Berberine, a powerful plant compound in Oregon grape, may exert strong antimicrobial activity and help improve symptoms of IBS, heartburn, and low mood. However, further research is necessary.

Despite the potential benefits of Oregon grape, there are several concerns associated with its use.

Most studies on this herb have tested it as a topical cream for psoriasis treatment. While its widely recognized as safe in this form, insufficient information exists to determine whether Oregon grape is safe to ingest (1, 3).

Thus, you may want to practice caution or talk to your healthcare provider before taking supplements, tinctures, or other orally administered forms of this herb.

Whats more, children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid all preparations of this product due to a lack of safety information.

Notably, berberine, an active compound in Oregon grape, can cross the placenta and cause contractions (19).

Oregon grape is generally safe to use on your skin, but you should practice caution with oral supplements. Children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid it due to insufficient data regarding its safety.

Oregon grape is a flowering plant that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine.

Scientific research suggests it relieves symptoms of psoriasis and other skin conditions, but it may also boost your mood, offer antibacterial activity, and ease IBS and heartburn.

Though generally safe, Oregon grape should not be taken by children or pregnant or breastfeeding women.

If youre interested in trying this herb, it may be best to start by using a topical treatment containing it, such as a skin ointment, and consult a medical professional before taking supplements or other oral formulations.

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What Is Oregon Grape? Uses and Side Effects - Healthline

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Psoriasis Drugs - Market Analysis, Trends, and Forecasts" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Psoriasis Drugs market worldwide is projected to grow by US$10.8 Billion, driven by a compounded growth of 9%

Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor, one of the segments analyzed and sized in this study, displays the potential to grow at over 9%. The shifting dynamics supporting this growth makes it critical for businesses in this space to keep abreast of the changing pulse of the market. Poised to reach over US$8.1 Billion by the year 2025, Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor will bring in healthy gains adding significant momentum to global growth.

Representing the developed world, the United States will maintain a 7.6% growth momentum. Within Europe, which continues to remain an important element in the world economy, Germany will add over US$367.7 Million to the region's size and clout in the next 5 to 6 years. Over US$321.2 Million worth of projected demand in the region will come from the rest of the European markets. In Japan, Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor will reach a market size of US$377.2 Million by the close of the analysis period.

As the world's second largest economy and the new game changer in global markets, China exhibits the potential to grow at 13.2% over the next couple of years and add approximately US$3.1 Billion in terms of addressable opportunity for the picking by aspiring businesses and their astute leaders.

Presented in visually rich graphics are these and many more need-to-know quantitative data important in ensuring quality of strategy decisions, be it entry into new markets or allocation of resources within a portfolio.

Several macroeconomic factors and internal market forces will shape growth and development of demand patterns in emerging countries in Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East. All research viewpoints presented are based on validated engagements from influencers in the market, whose opinions supersede all other research methodologies.

Competitors identified in this market include:

Key Topics Covered:

1. Market Overview

2. Focus On Select Players

3. Market Trends & Drivers

4. Global Market Perspective

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/8dk80z

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Psoriasis Drugs Market Analysis, Trends, and Forecasts, 2025 - Global Market is Projected to Grow by $10.8 Billion - ResearchAndMarkets.com - Business...

DetailsCategory: AntibodiesPublished on Thursday, 24 October 2019 09:33Hits: 195

BASEL, Switzerland I October 24, 2019 I Novartis, a leader in rheumatology and immuno-dermatology, announced today that the European Commission (EC) has approved a label update for the up-titration of Cosentyx (secukinumab) to 300 mg for patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

The approval is based on data from MEASURE 3, a three-year study that explored the tolerability and efficacy of Cosentyx in patients with AS[1]. Response rates were greater in the 300 mg dose group, particularly among patients with previous anti-TNF exposure, compared with the recommended 150 mg dose. The safety profile was consistent with previous studies[1].

This approval gives rheumatologists more flexibility to ensure their patients are able to achieve the best response to treatment, said Sam Khalil, Global Head of Medical Affairs Immunology, Hepatology and Dermatology at Novartis. It further encourages our ongoing efforts to reimagine care to ensure all patients are able to experience full relief from the signs and symptoms of AS.

About axSpAAxial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a spectrum of long-term inflammatory disease characterized by chronic inflammatory back pain[16]. The axSpA disease spectrum includes ankylosing spondylitis (AS), in which joint damage is visible on x-ray, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA), in which joint damage is not visible on x-ray[16]. Both parts of the disease spectrum have a comparable symptom burden, including nocturnal pain, fatigue, morning stiffness and functional disability[17]. If left untreated, axSpA can impair activity, lead to lost work time, and have a significant impact on quality of life[17].

About Cosentyx (secukinumab)Cosentyx is the first and only fully-human biologic that directly inhibits interleukin-17A (IL-17A), a cornerstone cytokine involved in the inflammation and development of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), psoriasis (PsO), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS)[18],[19].

Cosentyx is backed by robust clinical evidence, including 5-year data across PsO, PsA and AS, as well as data from real world evidence[3]-[15]. These data strengthen the unique position of Cosentyx as a rapid and long-lasting comprehensive treatment across axSpA, PsA, and psoriatic disease, with more than 250,000 patients treated worldwide with Cosentyx since its launcj[20].

About Novartis

Novartis is reimagining medicine to improve and extend peoples lives. As a leading global medicines company, we use innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the worlds top companies investing in research and development. Novartis products reach more than 750 million people globally and we are finding innovative ways to expand access to our latest treatments. About 108,000 people of more than 140 nationalities work at Novartis around the world. Find out more at http://www.novartis.com.

Novartis is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at http://twitter.com/novartis or follow @NovartisNews for the latest News & Media Updates at https://twitter.com/novartisnewsFor Novartis multimedia content, please visit http://www.novartis.com/news/media-libraryFor questions about the site or required registration, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

References[1] ClinicalTrials.gov. 16-week Efficacy and 3-year Safety, Tolerability and Efficacy of Secukinumab in Active Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients (MEASURE 3). Available from: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02008916. Last accessed: October 2019.[2] Novartis press release. Novartis Cosentyx positive 16-week PREVENT results advance potential new indication for patients with axial spondyloarthritis. Available from: https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-cosentyx-positive-16-week-prevent-results-advance-potential-new-indication-patients-axial-spondyloarthritis. Last accessed: October 2019.[3] ClinicalTrials.gov. Search of: secukinumab, recruiting, not yet recruiting, active, not recruiting, completed, enrolling by invitation studies. Listed results on ClinicalTrials.gov [online]. Available from: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=secukinumab&Search=Apply&recrs=b&recrs=a&recrs=f&recrs=d&recrs=e&age_v=&gndr=&type=&rslt= [Last accessed: October 2019].[4] ClinicalTrials.gov. Comparison of Secukinumab versus Guselkumab in Clearing Psoriatic Plaques Refractory to Ustekinumab (ARROW). NCT03553823. Available from: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03553823 [Last accessed: October 2019].[5] Langley RG, et al. Secukinumab in plaque psoriasisresults of two phase 3 trials. N Engl J Med 2014;371:326338.[6] Bagel J, et al. Secukinumab is Superior to Ustekinumab in Clearing Skin in Patients with Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis (16-Week CLARITY Results). Dermatol Ther 2018;8:571579.[7] ClinicalTrials.gov. Effect of Secukinumab on Radiographic Progression in Ankylosing Spondylitis as compared to GP2017 (Adalimumab Biosimilar) (SURPASS). NCT03259074. Available from: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03259074 [Last accessed: October 2019].[8] Blauvelt A, et al. Secukinumab is superior to ustekinumab in clearing skin of subjects with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis up to 1 year: Results from the CLEAR study. J Am Acad Dermatol 2017;76:6069.[9] Bissonnette R et al. Secukinumab demonstrates high sustained efficacy and a favorable safety profile through 5 years of treatment in moderate to severe psoriasis. Presented as eposter P2223 at 26th EADV Congress 2017. 13th October 2017.[10] Mease PJ, et al. Secukinumab Provides Sustained Improvements in the Signs and Symptoms in Psoriatic Arthritis: Final 5 Year Efficacy and Safety Results from a Phase 3 Trial. Abstract presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting, 2018.[11] MEASURE 2. Novartis data on file.[12] Holdsworth E et al. Real world physician satisfaction with secukinumab in Psoriatic Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis in Europe. Presented at EULAR 2019.[13] Michelsen B et al. Remission and drug retention rates of secukinumab in 1549 patients with psoriatic arthritis treated in routine care pooled data from the observational EuroSpA Research Collaboration Network. Presented at EULAR 2019.[14] Michelsen B et al. Pooled 6-month treatment outcomes and drug retention rates in 1556 patients with axial spondyloarthritis treated with secukinumab in routine clinical practice in 12 European Countries in the EuroSpA Research Collaboration. Presented at EULAR 2019.[15] Baraliakos X et al. Long-term Evaluation of Secukinumab in Ankylosing Spondylitis: 5 Year Efficacy and Safety Results from a Phase 3 Trial. Presented as a late-breaking abstract at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting, 2018.[16] Strand V, et al. Patient Burden of Axial Spondyloarthritis. J Clin Rheumatol. 2017 Oct; 23(7): 383391.[17] Mease PJ, van der Heijde D, Karki C, et al. Characterization of patients with ankylosing spondylitis and nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis in the US-based Corrona Registry. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2018;70(11):1661-1670.[18] Novartis Europharm Limited. Cosentyx (secukinumab): Summary of Product Characteristics. Available from: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/cosentyx-epar-product-information_en.pdf. Last accessed: October 2019.[19] Girolomoni G, et al. Psoriasis: rationale for targeting interleukin-17. Br J Dermatol 2012; 167:717724.[20] Novartis data on file. September 2019.

SOURCE: Novartis

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Novartis receives approval for Cosentyx label update in Europe to include dosing flexibility in ankylosing spondylitis | Antibodies | News Channels -...

Published on October 24, 2019

Contributed by Dr. Sravya Chowdary Tipirneni, Consultant Dermatologist, Columbia Asia Hospital Whitefield

Nutrition affects every aspect of health. Psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that features dry, itchy, and scaly skin, may be one condition to which diet can make a difference.

When you have psoriasis, reducing triggers is an important part of managing your condition and avoiding flare-ups. Psoriasis flare-ups can be caused by a variety of triggers. These triggers may include bad weather, excess stress, and also watching whats on your plate!

A healthy diet lots of fruits and veggies, lean protein, and whole grains is a good idea for just about everyone. But some people who have psoriasis say their eating habits can affect their skin.

Limit Alcohol

The link between alcohol and psoriasis isnt clear, butif you drink, be moderate. For men, that means no more than two drinks a day, and for women no more than one.

Studies show that men who drink heavily dont respond to psoriasis treatments as well. And some research suggests that people who have psoriasis and drink heavily may find that their skin gets better when they stop.

If your condition is especially severe or you take certain medications, like methotrexate and acitretin, your dermatologist may tell you to stay away from alcoholcompletely.

Food that fight inflammation

Some studies suggest that antioxidants, like vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium, may make a difference. And some research suggests fatty acids from fish oil can be helpful.

Anti-inflammatory foods are generally healthy, so it shouldnt hurt to give them a try.

They include:

Fatty fish

A diet high in fatty fish can provide the body with anti-inflammatory omega-3s. The intake of omega-3s has been linked to a decrease of inflammatory substances and overall inflammation.

Fish to eat include:

Heart-healthy oils

Like fatty fish, certain vegetable oils also contain anti-inflammatory fatty acids. Its important to focus on oils that have a higher ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids.

Oils to eat include:

Processed foods

Eating too many processed, high-calorie foods can lead to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and a variety of chronic health conditions. Certain conditions such as these cause chronic inflammation in the body, which may be linked to psoriasis flare-ups.

Foods to avoid include:

Nightshades

One of the most commonly reported triggers for psoriasis flare-ups is the consumption of nightshades. Nightshade plants contain solanine, which has been known to affect digestion in humans and may be a cause of inflammation.

Foods to avoid include:

Nutritional supplements

Fish oil, vitamin D, vitamin B-12, and selenium have all been researched for psoriasis.

Benefits of supplementation with these nutrients may include a decrease in the frequency and severity of flare-ups.

Lose Weight

People who are overweight or obese have a greater chance of getting psoriasis, and their symptoms tend to be worse. Studies suggest that your skin may get better if you shed extra pounds. This may be because fat cells make certain proteins that can trigger inflammation and make the condition worse.

Gluten-Free Diet

You may wonder whether your psoriasis would get better if you ate a gluten-free diet. Although you may hear about success stories from others who have tried it, so far studies arent clear that it helps. More research is needed.

Foods to avoid include:

The vegan diet:

This may also benefit people with psoriasis. This diet is naturally low in inflammatory foods such as red meat and dairy. Its high in anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables, and healthy oils.

The Mediterranean diet:

This diet is well known for its numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases. This diet focuses on foods that are high in antioxidants and healthy fats. It limits foods that are often considered to be pro-inflammatory.

The Paleo diet:

This diet places an emphasis on eating whole foods and avoiding processed foods. Since many whole foods contain anti-inflammatory compounds, this diet may prove to be beneficial for people with psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a life-long condition, and its severity can fluctuate. Medical treatment often aims to reduce skin cell production in order to minimize flares, or the periodic worsening of symptoms. Some lifestyle changes may also help.

In combination with medicine, nutrition may be a potent player in the fight against psoriasis.

Read more here:
Foods to eat and avoid if you are suffering from Psoriasis - APN News

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The drugmaker Eli Lilly has struggled this year, with the stock down 6.7% in 2019. That is well behind the broader S&P 500 health-care sector, which is up 6%, and the broader S&P 500, which is up 19.9% since the start of the year.

The company will make its case on Wednesday morning when it unveils its third-quarter earnings. Lilly has scheduled a conference call for 9 a.m. ET.

The earnings report comes weeks after a double-dose of good news for Eli Lilly (ticker: LLY). Earlier this month, the Food and Drug Administration approved the companys migraine drug Reyvow, and the company unveiled positive data on its drug Taltz in pediatric patients with plaque psoriasis, all in the space of two days.

Eli Lilly stock trades at 16.9 times its estimated earnings over the next 12 months, slightly below its five-year average of 19.8 times earnings.

Heres a snapshot of investors expectations and recent history.

Wall Street analysts expect earnings of $1.39 per share in the third quarter, according to FactSet, and sales of $5.5 billion.

In a note out October 18, J.P. Morgan analyst Chris Schott wrote that he expected growth on the sale of core products. Strong product trends continue despite competition, Schott wrote.

The companys anti-inflammatory drug Taltz is facing an increasingly crowded field, including AbbVies (ABBV) new drug Skyrizi and other drugs from Novartis (NVS), Celgene (CELG). Still, Schott wrote that Taltz has shown relatively healthy performance despite the Skyrizi launch.

On October 16, Bank of America Merrill Lynch analyst Geoff Meacham issued a Buy rating on Lilly, writing that he viewed the risk/reward profile in Lilly as compelling, and setting a $133 price target on the stock.

The company has reported some promising data in recent months, including a strong response rate for its drug LOXO-292 in some lung cancer patients, and the data on Taltz in pediatric patients with plaque psoriasis.

In July, Lilly reported earnings per share of $1.50, beating Wall Street expectations of $1.45 just slightly. The company attributed the beat to an increase in volume.

Write to Josh Nathan-Kazis at josh.nathan-kazis@barrons.com

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Eli Lilly Reports Earnings Tomorrow. Heres What to Expect. - Barron's

havinPsoriasis is associated with jokeIf there is an increased risk of cancer, a new overview of the studies is available.

Researchers writing in JAMA Dermatology combined data from 58 studies and found that psoriasis levels of all severity increased by 18 percent, and 22 percent were associated with severe psoriasis, compared to those without disease. Cancer mortality was increased in all cases of severe psoriasis.

For some specific cancers, the risk was even higher. For example, they found that severe psoriasis was associated with a more than eleven-fold risk of squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer), such as twice the risk of oesophageal and liver cancer and a 45 percent increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

Any degree of psoriasis, whether severe or not, was significantly associated with, inter alia, colon cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and cancers of the kidney and pancreas.

The reason for the association is unclear, but there is a known link between chronic inflammation and cancer and this may help explain the relationship.

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Psoriasis associated with increased cancer risk - asume tech