Barbara Walters named her Top 10 Most Fascinating People, TIME Magazine named its Person of the Year, and People Magazine recently put out their Best of 2011 issue.

So, as 2011 wraps up, I want to touch upon some of the best and/or most important arthritis and health moments/breakthroughs of 2011!

New NSAID:

Vimovo, a new anti-inflammatory arthritis drug hits the market, offering arthritis patients an alternative to the usual.

JAK Inhibitors Sail Through Phase 3 of Clinical Trials:

Late-stage trial results for a first-in-class small-molecule Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor tofacitinib in rheumatoid arthritis have raised expectations for regulatory approval as early as next year. All five pivotal phase 3 trials met their primary endpoints, giving new hope to RA patients.

Vaccine for Arthritis:

There have been talks of a potential vaccine to be used to prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis. It was discussed at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting this fall.

New Formulations of Existing Biologics:

Biologic drugs that are currently on the market for RA are in the process of getting a “makeover,” if you will. New formulations could make the drugs more effective moving foward.

Anti-TNF / Cancer Link Disproven:

Two new studies have found no link between an increased risk of cancer and tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors, or anti-TNFs, a type of biologic drug.

Some Supplements Can Work:

Condroitin Sulfate and Turmeric have been touted by the Arthritis Today Magazine to actually be beneficial for certain forms of arthritis. Studies show that milder symptoms can improve with either of these supplements.

Awareness and Advocates:

Celebrities like Billie Jean King and Serena Williams have spoken out about Arthritis and Sjogren’s Syndrome, and Lady Gaga has advocated for Lupus. The Arthritis Foundation has appeared on national television, advocates have appeared on talk shows and daytime television, and arthritis warriors have advocated to Congress. The Empire State Building even turned blue for World Arthritis Day, Dr. Phil made good on a blunder by posting an arthritis blog for World Arthritis Day, and Oprah tweeted Arthritis Ashley to congratulate her on her advocacy work, bringing the cause even more exposure!

Inspirations:

Californian Jeffrey Gottfurcht became the first person with Rheumatoid Arthritis to climb a mountain. Advocate and RA patient Christine Schwab went on The Talk to promote her book, Take Me Home to the Oscars, about television, fashion, and arthritis — something that she lives with every day. Amanda, known as “L.A. Lupus Lady” went on the Wendy Williams Show to speak about the cause, despite battling lupus and its difficulties. Kids and teens from the Juvenile Arthritis Conference made a video for President Barack Obama to let him know that “kids get arthritis too” — and had a great time meeting others with JA, despite their pain.  Advocate Kelly Young, also known as Rheumatoid Arthritis Warrior, has severe RA, and has appeared in magazine spreads and worked with the Mayo Clinic, educating people about living with arthritis and using social media to be a patient advocate. And – most recently – a 91-year-old in Boston named Betty Hutchinson ran the 5K Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis. THAT is inspirational!

It’s been a good year, and we are excited for the advances and exciting news that 2012 may bring!

Here’s hoping that it’s a healthy year — let’s move together towards a cure!

Happy Holidays!!

Stay Well,

Ashley Boynes-Shuck