Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain
the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in
Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles
and JavaScript.
In 2010, important research into the systemic autoinflammatory diseases has confirmed and extended the role of IL-1 inhibition in hereditary autoinflammatory disorders, demonstrated a novel treatment for a dangerous complication, and expanded the spectrum of systemic autoinflammatory diseases while further implicating autoinflammation in the complications of the metabolic syndrome.
Important advances have been made in gout therapeutics in 2010. In addition to the development of novel biologic agents, progress has been made in the safe prescribing of colchicine. However, colchicine also became the subject of considerable controversy in the USA when one brand of this drug was granted exclusivity.
Novel findings shed light on the role of tumor necrosis factor in ankylosis and inflammation, pointing to new indications for blockade of this cytokine in treating spondyloarthritis. At the same time, the identification of other potential targets for therapy could expand the treatment options for this family of inflammatory disorders.
From evidence pointing to a possible etiologic role for microbes to the development of new strategies and agents to treat early and established disease, 2010 has seen the publication of several interesting findings in the field of rheumatoid arthritis.
How can we optimize the management of osteoarthritis? Recent studies into the efficacy and mechanisms of interventions that target nociceptive mechanisms, lower-extremity musculature and ligament integrity reflect the progress being made in this field.
In several areas of investigation, the results of a bumper year in osteoporosis research are set to stoke rather than settle debate. From the origins of bone health to the use of established and experimental therapies, the new findings will be discussed into 2011 and beyond.
