Autoimmune Conditions

Second Successful Trial for Lupus Drug

An experimental lupus drug called Benlysta (belimumab) was effective in its second large clinical trial, and drug makers Human Genome Sciences and GlaxoSmithKline will seek European and U.S. approval of the drug in the first half of 2010.

Scientists Find New Key to Lupus

MONDAY, Oct. 19 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers say they've gained new understanding of how lupus develops in mice, a finding that could help future treatments for the autoimmune disease.

Household Insecticides May Be Linked to Autoimmune Diseases

MONDAY, Oct. 19 (HealthDay News) -- New research suggests a link between women's exposure to household insecticides -- including roach and mosquito killers -- and the autoimmune disorders rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Exercise Helps RA Patients

People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can benefit from exercise programs meant to improve strength and stamina, say Dutch researchers who reviewed eight previous studies involving 575 RA patients.

Based on their findings, "we would recommend aerobic capacity training combined with muscle strength training as routine practice for RA patients," lead researcher Emalie Hurkmans, of the Leiden University Medical Center, said in a news release, United Press International reported.

"But we need more research to establish the recommended length and type of exercise programs, whether patients need to be supervised and if these programs are cost effective," Hurkmans added.

Autoimmune Disorder Linked to Stroke, Heart Attack in Women

MONDAY, Sept. 28 (HealthDay News) -- Women under 50 with a certain form of the autoimmune condition called antiphospholipid syndrome are at greatly increased risk for heart attack and stroke, and that risk is even higher when these women smoke or take birth control pills, new research shows.

Celiac Disease May Raise Risk of Dying

TUESDAY, Sept. 15 (HealthDay News) -- People with milder symptoms of celiac disease face a slightly higher risk of dying than other people, a new study finds.