“This is a true story based on a lie.” That’s how each episode of “Apple Cider Vinegar,” a Netflix series released earlier this year, begins. The show tells the story of Belle Gibson, an Australian wellness influencer, app developer, and cookbook author. Through sharing her story about her…

I have a confession to make: I don’t read all my email. I try to, but it can be overwhelming. Instead, I skim through my inbox to see if I need to read anything right away, then bookmark things I’ll get back to later. Sometimes I’m too delete-happy with the…

I started writing this column a few weeks ago when I was angry. I was irate, it was festering, and I had to get it out. I started jotting down my thoughts, with the clickety-clack of my nails on the keyboard beating harder and faster than usual. If I were…

The final participant has completed the last visit as part of EFZO-FIT, a Phase 3 clinical trial testing Atyr Pharma’s experimental treatment efzofitimod, in adults with pulmonary sarcoidosis. Top-line results are expected in the coming months. “Completing this first-ever global Phase 3 and largest interventional study conducted for patients…

Most people with inflammatory conditions reported overall satisfaction, convenience, and confidence when self-administering Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) through a single-dose, prefilled injector called SelfJect. That’s according to a survey-based study sponsored by the therapy’s developer, Mallinckrodt. The study involved 54 patients living in the U.S., eight of…

Writer’s block: when you want (or have) to write something but the words just won’t come to you. It could be for a school paper, a business report, a personal story, a speech, or a simple social media post, but it happens to all of us. We think. We…

The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) is partnering with Walgreens and Cedars-Sinai to provide free N95 face masks at two locations in Los Angeles, with the goal of helping members of the community protect their lungs following January’s wildfires. Exposure to fine particulate matter from soot and ash in…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a prefilled syringe version of purified Cortrophin Gel (repository corticotropin injection) as an add-on treatment for people with symptoms of sarcoidosis. Sold by Ani Pharmaceuticals, the original vial format of Corticotrophin Gel received FDA clearance in 2021 to treat…

Note: This column discusses an upcoming FDA-NIH Rare Disease Day event, which planned to bring together members of the rare disease community with healthcare providers, researchers, lawmakers, and more at the NIH main campus in Bethesda, Maryland. That event has since been postponed. Stay tuned for further announcements. There’s a…

I recently came across a blog post on MedPage Today titled “A Letter to Patients with Chronic Illness.” Although it was written nearly 15 years ago, it’s as relevant today as it was then, revealing oft-obscured insight into the frame of mind of our doctors. Its author, “Dr. Rob,” shares…