News

National Charity launches first of its kind e-learning programme in Rheumatoid Arthritis – SMILE-RA

Today, 17 September, 2021, the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society launches a unique new resource to add to its portfolio of supported self-management programmes, services, publications and digital offerings, called SMILE-RA (Self-Management Individualised Learning Environment in Rheumatoid Arthritis). Rheumatoid Arthritis (>400,000 adults live with RA in the UK) is a serious and complex autoimmune disease characterised […]

News, 31 Aug

The OCTAVE study results

The OCTAVE study results were released on 24 August 2021 and we realise that the initial headlines could cause concern and worry. The study looked at vaccine response of those who are ‘immuno-compromised’ which includes a very wide range of people at varying levels of immune-compression. What the study has shown is that compared to people […]

News, 27 Jul

HCP Only – GRA physician registry: COVID-19 cases after vaccination

If you are a healthcare provider Global Rheumatology Alliance physician registry are looking for patient clinical information on patients with COVID-19 after vaccination. The GRA physician registry is now focusing on patients who develop COVID-19 after their vaccination. If you have these patients, GRA would deeply appreciate if you could take a moment to enter their […]

News, 19 Jul

Update on COVID-19 restrictions

As England prepares for so called ‘Freedom day’ on Monday 19 July there are many grave concerns about the level of restrictions being lifted. We strongly recommend and urge people to continue to wear face coverings on public transport, inside public premises and especially in healthcare settings. This is essential to keep people safe and […]

News, 14 Jul

Biggest change to treatment of RA since the introduction of biologics in the early 2000s

Last month we brought you the news about the Draft Final decision from NICE regarding treatment of ‘moderate active’ RA with some advanced therapies and we’re now delighted to say that as of 14th July this is now Final Guidance. This is an incredible achievement after years of campaigning and has the potential to improve […]

News, 05 Jul

NRAS launch the #DoThe20Challenge to celebrate 20 years

To celebrate our 20th Anniversary, we have launched #DoThe20Challenge, a fun way supporters can celebrate with us! There are a lot of ideas to get you started, anything that involves the number 20 – are you ready to take on the challenge? After being frustrated with the lack of information and support after her diagnosis, Ailsa Bosworth […]

News, 14 May

Department of Health & Social Care Q&A on social distancing changes for Clinically Extremely Vulnerable people in England from 17 May

This is a UK government Q&A which is relevant to people living in England who have been classified as ‘Clinically Extremely Vulnerable The new guidance for everyone on social distancing can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/meeting-friends-and-family-covid-19 The specific guidance for Clinically Extremely Vulnerable people will be updated from 17 May and can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19 1. What […]

News, 13 May

Update on COVID-19 Vaccine

All patients with RA are encouraged to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This includes people taking Disease Modifying Anti Rhematic Drugs such as methotrexate, sulfasalazine, leflunomide and hydroxychloroquine and/or advanced therapies such as biologics, biosimilars and JAK inhibitors. The only potential exception is for those on rituximab for which it is recommended to have a consultation […]

News, 01 Apr

April update: Sir Lenny Henry urges black Britons to take COVID-19 vaccine; announcement for adults living with adults who are immunosuppressed

Sir Lenny Henry urges black Britons to take COVID-19 vaccine Sir Lenny Henry has written an open letter to encourage Black Britons to take the COVID-19 vaccine, signed by some of the most high-profile names in the UK. 12 Years a Slave actor and Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor, author Malorie Blackman, actor Thandie Newton, football pundit […]