Rheumatology: the revolution of biological drugs

For 25 years, HCC has been active in rheumatology, participating in the introduction and dissemination of biological drugs in Italy and contributing to improved management of rheumatic diseases. Since infliximab was introduced for treating rheumatoid arthritis, HCC has collaborated with companies in the sector, such as Schering-Plough, Wyeth, Roche, and Sandoz, as well as with patient associations, including Anmar and Apmarr. HCC has also worked on projects such as Sustain, which promotes adherence and therapeutic compliance by enabling the home administration of infusion drugs. Recently, HCC partnered with Johnson & Johnson to launch guselkumab for psoriatic arthritis.

Biological drugs have represented a significant breakthrough in the treatment of rheumatic diseases. They offer new therapeutic options and improve the quality of life for many patients. This leads to an improvement in their ability to work and reduced disability. These drugs have been shown to control inflammation and disease progression.

HCC with 25 years of experience in rheumatology

In the early 2000s, we introduced Schering Plough's (now MSD) infliximab, the first biological drug for treating rheumatoid arthritis, to the Italian market. We then worked with Wyeth (etanercept), Roche (rituximab), and biosimilar companies, including Sandoz. We collaborated extensively with Anmar (National Association of Rheumatic Patients) and later with Apmarr (National Association of People with Rheumatic and Rare Diseases). We partnered with BMS and Domedica on the Sustain project, which aimed to promote adherence to therapy, increase compliance, and improve the quality of life of people with rheumatoid arthritis by enabling the home administration of biological infusion drugs. Most recently, we supported Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) in launching guselkumab to treat psoriatic arthritis.