Exploring Newer Treatment Options in ANCA-associated Vasculitis to Address Management Gaps

Program Description
Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis is a heterogeneous group of systemic autoimmune necrotizing small vessel vasculitis, and includes granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA, previously Wegener’s granulomatosis), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). ANCA-associated vasculitis is characterized by formation of granulomas and inflammation of small arteries, arterioles, venules, and capillaries. Patients may experience rupture of inflamed vessels causing alveolar hemorrhage or a purpuric rash, or occlusion causing segmental glomerular infarction. The 2021 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/Vasculitis Foundation guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for the management of ANCA-associated vasculitis, including GPA, MPA, and EGPA, and the availability of a new therapy option for ANCA-associated vasculitis has the potential to fill current treatment gaps. Specialty pharmacists are uniquely positioned to address the treatment challenges associated with ANCA-associated vasculitis and can play a major role in ensuring safe and effective therapy for patients. This activity will explore the key role pharmacists can play in removing barriers to medication uptake and ensuring patient access to effective therapies for ANCA-associated vasculitis to optimize outcomes.

Target audience: Health-system pharmacists, retail pharmacists, specialty pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Explore the clinical presentation, challenges, and clinical burden of disease in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis
• Identify current challenges associated with treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis, and the role of new and emerging therapies to address these treatment gaps
• Examine the role of pharmacists in providing patient education and recommendations in treatment strategies to improve outcomes in ANCA-associated vasculitis

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hour (0.10 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-22-051-L01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through June 13, 2022.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, view the webinar in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

Disclosures

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Faculty

Abigail Jastrab, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education^™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh; Karleen Melody, PharmD; Abigail Dill; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta

An anonymous peer reviewer was used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

For questions about this internet CPE activity, please contact:
[email protected]
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