Abstract: A method of treating active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in a patient by administering a clinically proven safe and clinically proven effective amount of an anti-IL-12/IL-23p40 antibody or an anti-IL-23 antibody, e.g., the anti-IL-12/IL-23p40 antibody ustekinumab, wherein the patient achieves a significant improvement in disease activity.

Abstract: A method of treating active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in a patient by administering a clinically proven safe and clinically proven effective amount of an anti-IL-12/IL-23p40 antibody or an anti-IL-23 antibody, e.g., the anti-IL-12/IL-23p40 antibody ustekinumab, wherein the patient achieves a significant improvement in disease activity.

Abstract: A method of treating active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in a patient by administering a clinically proven safe and clinically proven effective amount of an anti-IL-12/IL-23p40 antibody or an anti-IL-23 antibody, e.g., the anti-IL-12/IL-23p40 antibody ustekinumab, wherein the patient achieves a significant improvement in disease activity.

Abstract: The invention provides tools for management of patients diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, specifically, prior to the initiation of therapy with an anti-TNF? agent. The tools are specific markers and algorithms of predicting response to therapy based on standard clinical primary and secondary endpoints using serum marker concentrations. In one embodiment the baseline levels of VEGF, prostatic acid phosphatase, and adiponectin are used to predict the response at Week 14 after the initiation of therapy. In another embodiment, the change in a serum protein biomarker after 4 weeks of therapy is used such as MDC, lipoprotein a, and beta2-microglobulin.

Abstract: The invention provides tools for management of patients diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis and prior to the initiation of therapy with an anti-TNFalpha agent. The tools are specific markers and algorithms of predicting response to therapy based on standard clinical primary and secondary end-points using serum marker concentrations. In one embodiment the baseline level of leptin or osteocalcin is used to predict the response at Week 14 after the initiation of therapy. In another embodiment, the change in a serum protein biomarker after 4 weeks of therapy is used such as complement component 3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for detecting and/or measuring serum antibodies to antigenic proteins in a sample, comprising adding a labeled antigenic protein or fragment thereof to a sample derived from serum and expected to contain serum antibodies and measuring differences in at least one characteristic between (a) a labeled serum antibody-antigenic protein complex; (b) an serum antibody-antigenic protein complex in the sample; and/or (c) displaced lableled or unlabeled serum antibody, antigenic protein or fragment thereof.

Abstract: Reduced-immunogenic fusion compounds are disclosed. The fusion compounds of the invention comprise immunogenic compounds linked to auto-antigenic sequences which render the compound less immunogenic. In addition, a method of reducing the immunogenicity of an immunogenic compound is disclosed. The method comprises linking an auto-antigenic sequence to an otherwise immunogenic compound. Recombinant nucleotide sequence encoding auto-antigenic sequences are also disclosed.