Important Meetings Held Around the Country

Clinical Rheumatology Conference 2019

The Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Secunderabad organized the Clinical Rheumatology Conference 2019 on 5 and 6 January 2019 at KIMS Hospitals, Secunderabad.
This conference was inaugurated by Dr. B. Bhaskar Rao, CEO, KIMS hospitals. Dr. Liza Rajasekhar was the scientific committee chairperson, and Dr. V. Sarath Chandra Mouli was the Organizing Secretary for CRC-2019. This was a unique, innovative, and first-of-its-kind of case conference totally dedicated to clinical rheumatology. The conference highlighted the selected clinical cases, with an emphasis on the case-based approach, problem-based learning, and eminence-based discussions by renowned rheumatologists. Rheumatologists and rheumatology trainees from across India attended this conference. A total of 288 delegates attended the conference. The international guest speakers who attended this conference were Prof. David Isenberg, Prof Munther Khamashta, and Prof. Yehuda Shoenfeld. This conference covered eight major rheumatological diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, pediatric rheumatic diseases, inflammatory myositis, spondyloarthritis, antiphospholipid syndrome, vasculitis. There was a rapid-fire session (ultra-short cases) and quiz for rheumatology PGs. This conference was well rated, and the format was well appreciated by all the delegates.

Overview of Biosimilar Conclave

Location: New Delhi
Date: 20 January 2019

Biologics are considered the next generation of treatment for many life-threatening and rare illnesses. They are produced by cells in culture or whole organisms; this is inherently more variable than chemical synthesis methods. Therefore, unlike generic pharmaceuticals, it is impossible to generate the same or identical copy of an innovator product. In this way, biosimilars are identical but not the same to the original biologic innovator product. Therefore, the field of biosimilars presents several important challenges, including verification of the similarity, the interchangeability of biosimilars and innovator products, the possible need for unique naming to differentiate various biopharmaceutical products, regulatory framework, commercial opportunities, as well as guidelines to assist manufacturers in product development and public safety.

To address these issues, the Arthritis and Rheumatic Disease Foundation (ARDF) in association with Zydus Biovation (Cadila Healthcare Ltd.), conducted an academic event entitled ‘Biosimilars Conclave’ on 20 January 2019. The speakers and chairpersons were experienced rheumatologists from the length and breadth of India. They discussed the various biosimilars in rheumatology available in India; the DCGI was represented by an Assistant Drugs Controller, who provided an overview of the regulatory framework for biosimilars in India, which reassured about the rigorous process for approval of biosimilars in India. He also answered queries regarding the conduct of investigator-initiated studies in India. The research and development of biosimilars were described by the head of the biologicals research division of Zydus. The session on the future road map was laid out effectively with an emphasis on quality and cost.

The event concluded with a consensus statement from Dr. Amita Agarwal, that biosimilars would be a cost-effective treatment option for various rheumatological diseases, despite the stringent regulations. However, robust post-marketing surveillance in the form of registries is required.

Rheumatology Ophthalmology Interface Meet, Vadodara

The Rheumatology Association, Gujarat organized the first rheumatology ophthalmology interface meet in the state on 10 February 2019 in Vadodara. Organized by Drs. Namisha Patel and Paras Mehta (corneal surgeon), the meeting generated a lot of interest among the ophthalmologists and rheumatologists in the state. Dr. Namisha was ably supported by her rheumatology colleagues in Gujarat.

The meeting was attended by 100+ delegates. The format of short talks and case presentations with simultaneous discussions by faculty members of both specialties was successful and generated good discussions.

We intend to take this meeting to the next level with our ophthalmology colleagues.

National Lupus Meet, Kolkata

The National Lupus Meet was organized by Lupus Initiative Kolkata on 26 and 27th January 2019 to provide updates on key issues in lupus with recent advances and practice points. It was attended by international faculty member Prof. David D Cruz and other national luminaries in lupus. This time, we also had a thematic talk on lupus entitled, ‘Talking Lupus.’ The talk was on the perceptions about lupus in relation to physicians and society and helping patients with lupus cope in the workspace. The economy of lupus in the twenty-first century was also discussed.

Update on vasculitis and rheumatological emergencies was conducted by IMA Indore along with AOSI, Indore on 24 February 2019, Sunday at Hotel Marriott, Indore.

Vasculitis Update, Indore

This was a first-of-its-kind meeting for general physicians, pediatricians, and postgraduates of MP. They were being sensitized with various vasculitides and rheumatological emergencies and current management of the same. Eighteen speakers from across India delivered excellent lectures. The speakers included Dr. Rohini Handa, Dr. S N Amin, Dr. Rajiva Gupta, Dr. Sujata Sawhney, Dr. Aman Sharma, Dr. Sumeet Agrawal, Dr. Vinod Ravindran, Dr. Molly Thabah, Dr. Pravin Patil, Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Dr. Vishnu Sharma, Dr. Durga P Sharma, Dr. Piyush Joshi, and Dr. Preksha Dwivedi. The chief guest was Padmshree Dr. P S Hardia (ophthalmologist) and the guest of honor was Dr. Sharad Thora (Ex-Dean of MGM Medical College). About 325 delegates and 72 PG students attended the program. Forty-four PGs participated in the quiz. After an initial written round, 10 teams were selected. Dr. Prakash Joshi was the quiz master. PG of Dept. of Medicine GMC Bhopal was the quiz winner; Department Pediatrics of MGM Medical College Indore was runner-up, and the Department of Medicine MGM 2nd runner-up. Dr. Sourabh Malviya was organizing secretary for the meeting. The response of delegates was very good, as many of them said that they were not aware of the various aspect of vasculitis and emergencies in rheumatology even in clinical practice they are seeing them routinely.