Biologic therapy represents both the present and future of therapy for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Several new biologic agents are expected to come to market in the near future, and, as a result, this class of drugs will have increased usage and concomitant consumption of health care resources. This educational activity is designed to provide a thorough review of the biologic agents currently approved for treatment of the various IMIDs, as well as some of the newer agents under study or nearing approval. Additionally, considerations of the numerous challenges faced in the management of IMIDs, including costs, safety and expanding utilization will be reviewed. This educational program is also designed to engage contemporary adult learning principles by presenting clinical data as well as a case study to illustrate patient, provider and payer perspectives in the utilization of biologic therapies. Through this activity, participants will be able to appreciate individual challenges faced with the expanding use of biologic therapies for disabling chronic IMIDs.

A 4.0-hour CME/CE Scientific Monograph for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, nurses and case managers.

Paul S Yamauchi, MD, PhD
Clinical Faculty
Division of Dermatology
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Los Angeles, CA
Dermatology Institute & Skin Care Center
Santa Monica, CA

Atul Deodhar, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine
Medical Director, Rheumatology Clinic
Division of Arthritis & Rheumatic Diseases
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, OR

Stacey Ness, PharmD
Clinical Services Manager
BioScrip
Eden Prairie, MN

For full CME Information for this activity, please visit primeinc.org/course/149.html