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Victoria Johnson joined the MJH Life Sciences in 2020 and has written for NeurologyLive, CGTLive, and now HCPLive. You can reach her at vjohnson@mjhlifesciences.com

Credit: Odense University Hospital – Svendborg.

Artificial intelligence (AI) joint assessment performance

 matched that of specialized rheumatologists

, accurately assessing disease activity in joints, according to findings from 2 new studies.

Data from the studies were presented at the 

can College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence 2024

, held November 14-19 in Washington, DC, by Søren Andrea Just, MD, PhD, associate professor, University of Southern Denmark, and Odense University Hospital – Svendborg.

“We are getting fewer and fewer rheumatologists across both here in the US, but also across Europe and other countries, and there'smore and more patients, so we have to try to think differently. And then we thought, maybe AI robotics could be at least part of the solution, because if they could give high quality assessment of disease activity, especially in places where there are fewer, maybe no rheumatologists, [this] could really elevate the level of care for patients without the need for more persons,” Just told 

One study focused on the development and validation of ARTHUR, a CE-marked, fully automated ultrasound scanning system. ARTHUR captures ultrasound images of 22 hand joints and DIANA, a CE-marked AI system analyzes and grades synovial hypertrophy (SH) and Doppler activity in accordance with the global OMERACT-EULAR synovitis score (GLOESS).

Just and colleagues found that ARTHUR and DIANA had a Kappa value of 0.39 [95% CI: 0.32–0.45] vs. 0.46 [95% CI: 0.41–0.52] by a rheumatologist for SH and a Kappa of 0.48 [95% CI: 0.41–0.55] vs. 0.45 [95% CI: 0.38–0.52] for Doppler.

Combining all joints to put together a binary disease assessment (healthy vs disease) showed higher agreement with the ground truth of 86.67% [95% CI: 69.28–96.24%] for SH and 83.33% [95% CI: 65.28–96.36%] for Doppler activity compared with the rheumatologist’s assessment, which had a 53.33% agreement [95% CI: 34.33–71.66%] for SH and 66.67% [95% CI: 47.19–82.71%] for Doppler activity.

The other study focused on an AI model assessing greyscale and Doppler synovitis severity and osteophyte severity in hand joints compared to human expert raters. Compared to a consensus score, the AI had a Kappa of 0.39 (95% CI: 0.35–0.44), PEA of 51.77% (95% CI: 48.83–54.70%), PCA of 91.03% (95% CI: 89.21–92.63%), sensitivity of 46.19% (95% CI: 39.13–53.32%), and specificity of 90.43% (95% CI: 88.35–92.25%) for SH.

For Doppler Activity, the AI had a Kappa of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.54–0.67), PEA of 80.49% (95% CI: 77.51–83.22%), PCA of 97.13% (95% CI: 95.69–98.18%), sensitivity of 67.31% (95% CI: 51.86–80.24%), and specificity of 96.29% (95% CI: 94.65–97.52%). Lastly, for osteophyte grading, the AI had a Kappa of 0.55 (95% CI: 0.46–0.63), PEA of 70.69% (95% CI: 65.57–75.45%), PCA of 96.28% (95% CI: 93.70–98.01%), sensitivity of 56.43% (95% CI: 31.56–73.36%), and specificity of 95.36% (95% CI: 92.44–97.36%).

“I really hope that these automated systems could help [provide] with a very fast assessment that you shouldn't be worried about it... to take some of the pressure off the rheumatologist and at the same time giving a good quality assessment for the patient,” Just said.

Frederiksen BA, Danielsen MA, Hamer HB, et al. Automated Ultrasound System ARTHUR with AI Analysis DIANA Matches Expert Rheumatologist in Hand Joint Assessment of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients. Presented at: ACR Convergence 2024; November 14-19; Washington, DC. Abstract L20

Weber A, Danielsen MA, Fredericksen BA, et al. Performance of an Artificial Intelligence Model Compared to Multiple Human Experts in Scoring Synovitis Severity and Osteophyte Severity on Joint Ultrasound Images. Presented at: ACR Convergence 2024; November 14-19; Washington, DC. Abstract L04

Articles

Artificial intelligence systems have demonstrated performance on par with specialized rheumatologists in assessing joint disease activity, as evidenced by two studies presented at the ACR Convergence 2024. The studies highlighted the potential of AI in addressing the shortage of rheumatologists by providing high-quality assessments, particularly in underserved areas. The ARTHUR and DIANA systems showed significant agreement with rheumatologists in evaluating synovial hypertrophy and Doppler activity. Another AI model effectively assessed synovitis and osteophyte severity, suggesting AI's capability to alleviate rheumatologists' workload while maintaining assessment quality.

Data from 2 studies presented at ACR 2024 demonstrate the potential of AI to improve access to quality rheumatological assessments. 

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AI Assessments, Robotics Perform to Rheumatologist Levels in Joint Assessment 

Professor Stephen Nicholls is a world-renowned cardiologist, and leads the Victorian Heart Hospital (VHH) at Monash University.

Patrick Campbell is the managing editor of HCPLive. Formerly the editorial lead of Endocrinology Network, Practical Cardiology, and Rheumatology Network, Patrick has spent years spearheading coverage surrounding cardiometabolic health and rheumatic disease for MJH Life Sciences. He now helps to lead coverage in each of these respective areas for HCPLive. Before joining MJH Life Sciences in 2019, he spent time as a beat reporter with the Pocono Record in Stroudsburg, PA, and Star News Group in Manasquan, NJ. He also touts experience in multimedia, having spent time as a multimedia specialist with NJ Advance Media and multimedia coordinator at the Pocono Record. Follow him on Twitter @RealPatCampbell or reach him via email at PCampbell@mjhlifesciences.com.

New findings from the KRAKEN trial highlight the potential of muvalaplin, an oral treatment, for lowering lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels in adults with elevated Lp(a) and high cardiovascular risk.

American Heart Association (AHA) Annual Scientific Sessions 2024

, the trial represents the first evidence of an oral agent for lowering Lp(a), according to trial sponsor Eli Lilly and Company.

“High levels of Lp(a) have been shown to be a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, affecting over one billion adults globally," said principal investigator Stephen J. Nicholls, MBBS, PhD, director of the Victorian Heart Hospital and Institute, and professor of cardiology at Monash University, Australia. "Current cholesterol-lowering therapies are not approved to lower Lp(a) levels, highlighting an unmet need for people living with cardiovascular disease. These data represent a needed scientific advancement with the potential to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes with a once-daily pill."

A 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2, 233-patient trial conducted in 43 sites across 5 countries, KRAKEN was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of muvalaplin at doses of 10 mg/d, 60 mg/d, or 240 mg/d. The trial’s primary endpoint, placebo-adjusted percentage change in Lp(a) levels, was assessed using intact Lp(a) and apolipoprotein(a)-based assays.

For inclusion in the trial, patients were required to have Lp(a) levels of at least 175 nmol/L and a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or familial hypercholesterolemia.

At 12 weeks, placebo-adjusted reductions in Lp(a) using the intact assay were 47.6% (95% CI, 35.1% to 57.7%), 81.7% (95% CI, 78.1% to 84.6%), and 85.8% (95% CI, 83.1% to 88.0%) with muvalaplin 10 mg, 60 mg, and 240 mg doses, respectively. Using the apo(a)-based assay, the corresponding reductions were 40.4% (95% CI, 28.3% to 50.5%), 70.0% (95% CI, 65.0% to 74.2%), and 68.9% (95% CI, 63.8% to 73.3%). Secondary endpoints showed reductions in apolipoprotein B levels, while high-sensitivity C-reactive protein remained unchanged.

For more on the trial and the potential of muvalaplin, check out our interview with Nicholls from the floor of AHA 2024.

 HCPLive Nicholls KRAKEN AHA 24

Relevant disclsoures for Nicholls include Amgen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Sanofi-Regeneron, Silence Therapeutics, and others.

Nicholls SJ, Ni W, Rhodes GM, et al. Oral Muvalaplin for Lowering of Lipoprotein(a): A Randomized Clinical Trial. 

 Published online November 18, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.24017

Eli Lilly and Company. Lilly’s muvalaplin lowered lipoprotein(a) levels in adults with high risk for cardiovascular events by up to 85% at highest tested dose. Eli Lilly and Company. November 18, 2024. Accessed November 18, 2024. https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lillys-muvalaplin-lowered-lipoproteina-levels-adults-high-risk.

Videos

Muvalaplin, an oral treatment, shows promise in reducing lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels in high cardiovascular risk patients, as demonstrated in the KRAKEN trial. This phase 2 trial, presented at the AHA Annual Scientific Sessions 2024, is the first to provide evidence of an oral agent effectively lowering Lp(a). Conducted across 43 sites, the trial involved 233 patients and revealed significant placebo-adjusted reductions in Lp(a) levels with muvalaplin doses of 10 mg, 60 mg, and 240 mg. Secondary endpoints indicated reductions in apolipoprotein B levels, with no change in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.

Stephen Nicholls, MBBS, PhD, provides additional insight into KRAKEN trial data and the potential of muvalaplin.

Dyslipidemia

Cardiology

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Phase 2 Data Support Muvalaplin for Lowering Lp(a), with Stephen Nicholls, MBBS, PhD

 and joined the MJH Life Sciences team in April 2021. He graduated from The College of New Jersey with a degree in Journalism and Professional Writing. He enjoys listening to records, going to concerts, and playing with his cat Squish. You can reach him at 

Marianna Fontana is Professor of Cardiology and Honorary Consultant Cardiologist at the National Amyloidosis Centre, Division of Medicine, University College London.

Marianna Fontana, MD, PhD: Nex-Z Shows Promise in ATTR-CM Phase 1 Trial

A groundbreaking CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy has demonstrated early success in treating 

transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM)

, a progressive and often fatal disease that can lead to heart failure, according to late-breaking at the 

American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2024

Interim results from the Phase 1 trial of nexiguran ziclumeran (nex-z) revealed a single infusion of the therapy reduced serum TTR levels by approximately 90% over 12 months, offering a potential one-time treatment for this debilitating condition.

“After a single infusion of nex-z, there was a deep, rapid, and durable reduction in the circulating TTR levels and the reduction was similar across patients, with all patients achieiving a similar level, despite the genotype or the TTR at baseline,” primary investigator Marianna Fontana, MD, PhD, a professor of cardiology and honorary consultant cardiologist at the National Amyloidosis Centre, division of medicine, University College London, told 

The study involved 36 patients with ATTR-CM, making it the largest gene-editing trial in cardiovascular disease. Participants, of which 50% had advanced heart failure (NYHA class III), experienced stabilization in biomarkers of disease progression, including NT-proBNP and hsTroponin-T, and a median increase of 5 meters in a 6-minute walk distance. Additionally, 92% of patients either maintained or improved their NYHA class over the 12 months of study.

Mild-to-moderate infusion-related reactions were the most common adverse events, with no major safety concerns reported. Overall, these results suggested that nex-z could alter the natural course of ATTR-CM by slowing or halting disease progression. With confirmation needed in larger trials, nex-z could become the first CRISPR-based therapy to successfully treat a cardiovascular condition, providing new hope for patients with few existing treatment options.

“The Phase 3 study, which is a randomized, multicenter, placebo-controlled trial, are sensing the efficacy and safety of nex-z in a large population of patients with ATTR-CM,” Fontana told 

. “Hopefully, very soon, the enrollment will be completed and we’ll see the results of the Phase 3 trials.”

Disclosures: Relevant disclosures for Fontana include Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Bayer, Intellia Therapuetics, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Novo Nordisk, and others.

Fontana M, Taubel J, Gane E, Pilebro B, Adam D et al. Nexiguran ziclumeran (nex-z, also known as NTLA-2001), an investigational in vivo CRISPR-based therapy for patients with transthyretin amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM): interim report of the Phase 1 study. Presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2024. Chicago, Illinois. November 16-18, 2024.

Intellia announces first clinical evidence from ongoing phase 1 study that nexiguran ziclumeran (nex-Z), an in vivo CRISPR/cas9-based gene editing therapy, may favorably impact disease progression in transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis. Intellia Therapeutics. November 16, 2024. Accessed November 16, 2024. https://ir.intelliatx.com/news-releases/news-release-details/intellia-announces-first-clinical-evidence-ongoing-phase-1-study.

A novel CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy, nexiguran ziclumeran (nex-z), shows promise in treating transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), a severe condition leading to heart failure. Interim results from a Phase 1 trial indicate a single infusion of nex-z reduces serum TTR levels by 90% over 12 months, stabilizing disease biomarkers and improving patient outcomes. The study, involving 36 patients, reported mild-to-moderate adverse events without major safety concerns. Larger trials are needed to confirm efficacy, potentially making nex-z the first successful CRISPR therapy for cardiovascular disease.

Marianna Fontana, MD, PhD discusses Phase 1 interim results on the CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy, nex-z, for ATTR-CM.

Structural Heart Disease

Heart Failure

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Tim Smith joined the MJH Life Sciences team as an assistant editor for HCPLive in August 2022. He graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in political science, working in multimedia journalism as a staff writer prior to joining MJH. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, watching TV, listening to podcasts, and rock climbing. You can contact him at 

A very high number of infants and toddlers who have been peanut-sensitized and live with 

 are already co-sensitized to tree nuts, according to recent findings, suggesting a high likelihood for 

 in a considerable number of such individuals.

These data suggest the potential value in determining specific IgE (sIgE) to tree nuts among children who are peanut-sensitized if tree nuts have not yet been consumed. The data result from new research led by Lara Meixner, MSc, from the department of pediatric respiratory medicine at the Universitätsmedizin Berlin in Germany.

The investigators highlighted recent increases in popularity of tree nuts such as cashews and hazelnuts among the rising number of vegan and plant-based diets.

 Such dietary habit shifts may result in a wider spread of tree nut allergens and peanut allergy has been previously suggested to lead to increases in likelihood of being allergic to tree nuts versus the general population.

“Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate how often peanut-sensitized infants and toddlers are sensitized to cashew, hazelnut and walnut as well as their seed storage proteins, which might be associated with a high risk for clinical reactivity,” Meixner and colleagues wrote.

The investigative team looked at data on both infants and toddlers who had been referred to the department of pediatric respiratory medicine, immunology, and critical care medicine at Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Among these children, some had been given oral food challenges (OFCs) due to their routine diagnostic procedures between 2007 - 2020.

The team collected clinical information as well as blood samples from all of the participants, requiring participants to be 2 years of age or younger. Additionally, they were required to have had specific IgE (sIgE) levels to peanut at or above 0.1 kU/l.

The investigators’ conducted their detection of sIgE to hazelnut, peanut, walnut, cashew, and their respective 2S albumins (Cor a 14, Ara h 2, Jug r 1, Ana o 3) in addition to the 7S vicilin-like globulin Ara h 1, through the use of the NOVEOSTM immunoanalyzer from Garden Grove, California. They defined sensitization as the presence of an sIgE level of 0.1 kU/l at least.

For the purposes of evaluating subjects’ likelihood of positive food challenges for hazelnut and cashew, probability curves were applied, correlating the resulting outcomes with Cor a 14-sIgE and Ana o 3-sIgE levels, respectively. However, given that no probability curve exists for walnut, the team concluded that it was impossible to determine one’s individual risk of one’s positive OFC for such an allergen.

The researchers assessed sera from 101 patients who had been sensitized to peanuts (defined as peanut-sIgE ≥0.1 kU/l). During the time of the investigators’ blood collection period, they noted that their subjects’ median ages was 16 months, though a range between 5 - 24 months was reported. They added that 98% also had eczema.

The researchers concluded that sIgE levels of ≥0.1 kU/l were present among 96.0% of the participants for at least 1 tree nut. The team reported that 94.1% of the evaluated children were sensitized to hazelnuts, followed by walnuts at 87.1%, and cashews at 84.2%.

The investigators noted that sensitization to 1 2S albumin at least was observed among 58.4% of subjects. They added that 41.6% showed sensitization to both Cor a 14 and Jug r 1 and 39.6% showed sensitization to Ana o 3.

Among a subset of 101 peanut-sensitized children in the analysis, the research team found that 5.0% showed a 90% probability of hazelnut reaction and 13.9% to cashews. In total, 15.8% of those who were peanut-sensitized were predicted by the team to have at least a 90% probability of having allergies to cashews and/or hazelnuts.

Overall, the investigators concluded that peanut-sensitized infants and toddlers are frequently co-sensitized to tree nuts and their 2S albumins. It was also noted 98% of the analysis’s subjects suffered from eczema, a known risk factor for sensitization and the development of food allergy.

“A few limitations of our study have to be mentioned. As this was a retrospective analysis of stored serum samples, we had no data on the clinical relevance of the tree nut sensitization,” they wrote. “In particular, we lacked information on whether an oral food challenge had been conducted or what its outcome was. Moreover, the period of study inclusion was relatively long (2007–2020).”

Meixner L, Heller S, Bluhme F, Trendelenburg V, Beyer K, Kalb B. Infants and toddlers with sensitization to peanut are often co-sensitized to tree nuts. Clin Transl Allergy. 2024;e70008. https://doi.org/10.1002/clt2.70008.

Reese I, Schäfer C, Ballmer-Weber B, et al. Vegan diets from an allergy point of view - position paper of the DGAKI working group on food allergy. Allergol Select. 2023; 7(1): 57-83. https://doi.org/10.5414/alx02400e.

McWilliam V, Peters R, Tang MLK, et al. Patterns of tree nut sensitization and allergy in the first 6 years of life in a population-based cohort. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2019; 143(2): 644-650.e5.

Infants and toddlers with peanut sensitization and eczema often show co-sensitization to tree nuts, indicating a high risk of allergic reactions. Research suggests assessing specific IgE (sIgE) to tree nuts in peanut-sensitized children who haven't consumed them. The study, involving 101 children, found high sensitization rates to hazelnuts, walnuts, and cashews. A significant percentage showed a high probability of allergic reactions to these nuts. The study highlights the need for careful monitoring of peanut-sensitized children, though it acknowledges limitations like lack of clinical relevance data.

This analysis evaluated the frequency of peanut-sensitized infants and toddlers being sensitized to other types of nuts.

Atopic Dermatitis

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Peanut-Sensitized Infants with Eczema Already Co-Sensitized to Tree Nuts

Zerlasiran Achieves Durable Lp(a) Reductions at 60 Weeks, with Stephen J. Nicholls, MD, PhD

Data from the ALPACAR-360 trial, presented at the 

, confirm that zerlasiran (formerly SLN360) achieves sustained reductions in lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] through 60 weeks. Zerlasiran, a gene-silencing therapy, offers a potential treatment for elevated Lp(a), a genetic risk factor affecting 20% of the global population and a significant driver of 

Launched in 2023, the Phase 2 trial randomized 178 patients with baseline Lp(a) levels >125 nmol/L and high cardiovascular risk to 3 dosing regimens of zerlasiran or placebo therapy. Upon analysis, at 36 weeks, zerlasiran showed a least-squares mean time-averaged Lp(a) reduction of –81.3% to –85.6%.

“I think there’s two elements to the efficacy. There’s the degree of Lp(a) lowering that we can but then there’s the durability,” Stephen J. Nicholls, MD, PhD, Victorian Heart Institute, Monash University, told HCPLive. “If we follow patients out 3-, 6-, and 12-months after an injection, what we’re seeing with these agents is that your Lp(a) doesn’t come back to beeline. Our ability to show more and more durability, more Lp(a) lowering 6-, 12-months after injections, has implications for potentially less frequent dosing.”

These dose reductions were observed in the zerlasiran 450 mg every 24 weeks (–85.6%; 95% CI, –90.9% to −80.3%), 300 mg every 16 weeks (–82.8%; 95% CI, –88.2% to –77.4%), and 300 mg every 24 weeks (–81.3%; 95% CI, –86.7 to 76.0) cohorts, respectively. These reductions remained consistent through 60 weeks, and zerlasiran was well-tolerated. A total of 20 serious adverse events in 17 patients, but none were deemed to be related to the study drug—injection site reactions were the most common treatment-related adverse event.

Nicholls indicated data from the ALPACAR-360 trial demonstrate the competitive profile of zerlasiran as a potential long-term, infrequent-dose therapy. Zerlasiran will progress into Phase 3 trials as a potentially promising new treatment for patients with high Lp(a).

“I think that finding suggests that if you do big enough trials, you do see adverse events.,” Nicholls told HCPLive. “...All seemed to be pretty mild in severity, and they resolve pretty quickly. These are important, not only in terms of the conversation we have with our patients about starting therapy, but then about kind of keeping patients on treatment long term.”

Disclosures: Nicholls reports relevant disclosures including Amgen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Sanofi-Regeneron, Silence Therapeutics, and others.

Nissen SE, Wang Q, Nicholls SJ, et al. Zerlasiran—A Small-Interfering RNA Targeting Lipoprotein(a): A Phase 2 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. Published online November 18, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.21957

Packer M. Tirzepatide for Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction and Obesity: the SUMMIT Trial. Paper presented at: American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2024; November 15 - 18; Chicago, Il. Accessed November 16, 2024.

Zerlasiran, a gene-silencing therapy, has shown promising results in the ALPACAR-360 trial, achieving sustained reductions in lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels over 60 weeks. This Phase 2 trial involved 178 patients with high cardiovascular risk and elevated Lp(a) levels, demonstrating significant Lp(a) reductions across various dosing regimens. Zerlasiran was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events linked to the drug. The trial's findings suggest zerlasiran's potential as a long-term, infrequent-dose therapy for managing elevated Lp(a), a genetic risk factor for cardiovascular disease, warranting progression to Phase 3 trials.

Stephen J. Nicholls, MD, PhD discusses the robust efficacy and tolerability of zerlasiran for Lp(a) lowering, paving the way for Phase 3 development.

Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

Noaiseh discussed data from the DAHLIAS study linking, for the first time, clinical responses, with autoantibody levels.

Gaith Noaiseh, MD: Nipocalimab Improves Disease Measures, Reduces Autoantibodies in Sjogren’s

UCB has announced the FDA’s approval of bimekizumab, also known as Bimzelx, for patients with moderate-to-severe HS.

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FDA Approves Bimekizumab for Adults with Hidradenitis Suppurativa

In these guidelines compiled by the ACAAI, the AAAAI, and the AAOA, recommendations are provided to insurance companies for documentation needed for allergen immunotherapy.

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New Medical Guidance Provides Insurance Recommendations for Allergen Immunotherapy

The panel of experts focus on strategies for distinguishing primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) from other liver diseases with similar clinical presentations, emphasizing key diagnostic markers and assessment techniques.

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Differential Diagnosis of PBC

The panel of experts examine major complications and comorbidities associated with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), including vitamin deficiencies, osteoporosis, and conditions like metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), autoimmune disorders, and obesity.

Disease Progression and Extrahepatic Manifestations of PBC

Over half of patients treated with LEVI-04 had at least a 50% reduction in pain and over 25% had at least a 75% reduction.

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LEVI-04 Improved Outcomes in Knee Osteoarthritis Compared With Placebo

These data were announced by Protagonist Therapeutics, resulting from the 2 pivotal ICONIC-LEAD and ICONIC-TOTAL studies on the oral peptide icotrokinra.

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Positive Phase 3 Results Announced for JNJ-2113 Treatment of Psoriasis

Chelsie Derman is an assistant editor for 

who covers psychiatry, sleep medicine, and geriatrics. She joined MJH Life Sciences in September 2023 after graduating from The College of New Jersey with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and professional writing. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing and reading.

At NASPGHAN, HCPLive spoke to Hamant about her team’s study that showed their algorithm was linked to increased VTE Prophylaxis among Pediatric IBD.

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Laura Hamant, MD: Standardized Algorithm Increases VTE Prophylaxis Among Children

Abigail Brooks is an assistant editor for 

She joined MJH Life Sciences in August 2023 shortly after graduating from Monmouth University where she earned her BA in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations/Journalism and later an MA in Interactive Digital Media. She enjoys traveling, running, and reading books. She can be reached at abrooks@mjhlifesciences.com.

Barritt reviews real-world data about the use and benefits of GLP-1 RAs in patients with MASLD.

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MASH / MASLD

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A. Sidney Barritt, MD: Real-World Data Suggest Benefit of GLP-1 RAs for MASLD

Bifidobacterium longum 35624TM reduces IBS symptom severity in children and adolescents, according to a study presented at NASPGHAN 2024.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

On the HCPLive irritable bowel syndrome page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into IBS can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on IBS, IBD, and more.

Latest News

AI Assessments, Robotics Perform to Rheumatologist Levels in Joint Assessment

Phase 2 Data Support Muvalaplin for Lowering Lp(a), with Stephen Nicholls, MBBS, PhD

Marianna Fontana, MD, PhD: Nex-Z Shows Promise in ATTR-CM Phase 1 Trial

Peanut-Sensitized Infants with Eczema Already Co-Sensitized to Tree Nuts

Zerlasiran Achieves Durable Lp(a) Reductions at 60 Weeks, with Stephen J. Nicholls, MD, PhD