News

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 […]

News, 01 Apr

National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) to Change Name from Today

Today NRAS is excited to reveal its new charity name. After receiving more than seven comments about the length of its current name, the charity decided rather than enlist the assistance of world class marketing agencies and brand specialists, to look internally and following best practice developed a pathfinding 360-degree marketing & brand subcommittee. At […]

News, 02 Mar

NRAS report on the impact of living with active RA but not being able to access advanced therapies

In 2020, NRAS conducted a survey amongst its members and non-members who had RA with a disease duration more than2 years, who were not on advanced therapies (i.e. biologic/biosimilar or targeted synthetic DMARDs (JAK inhibitors)), with the aim of revealing the everyday impact of living with RA in people not treated with advanced therapies. It aimed […]

News, 02 Feb

The new NRAS Website!

We have been working hard behind the scenes on improving how we provide information to our Members, supporters and the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) community. Our latest publications, updates and activities for NRAS is a huge support for those who need it. A priority for us and an expectation from those we support is an easy to […]

News, 21 Jan

NICE offers hope for thousands who until now, potentially faced a life of disability and pain

The National Institute for Health & Care Excellence (NICE) today released the Final Appraisal Document (FAD) on a new JAK inhibitor* filgotinib (Jyseleca) used in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). NRAS warmly welcomes the fact that the FAD confirms that this drug will be available to not just to those most severely affected by […]

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