Upfront

Pain blocker

The experimental drug filgotinib provides relief from rheumatoid arthritis by blocking a set of enzymes that cause inflammation, a Stanford-led trial shows.

About 75 million people suffer joint pain, stiffness, inflammation and deterioration from rheumatoid arthritis. But three-quarters of patients surveyed reported being dissatisfied with treatment.

“For patients who haven’t done well on other therapies, these findings are cause for optimism, enthusiasm and hope,” said author Mark Genovese, MD, professor of immunology and rheumatology and the lead author of a paper describing the trial published July 23 in JAMA.

Additional Reading

Predict, prevent, cure — precisely

Stanford’s Humanwide project used information from genetic screenings, at-home digital monitoring devices and detailed wellness assessments to address current health concerns and lessen future risks.

Battling burnout

WellMD’s mission is to increase professional fulfillment for doctors by improving the work experience and build efficiency to prompt teamwork and work-life integration.