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Off-label biologics use and infection risk—the great unknown

The use of biologic therapies for off-label conditions in daily clinical practice is increasing, yet few studies have detailed the safety of these agents with regards to infection in patients with systemic autoimmune disease. New research offers a glimpse at the infection rates in these vulnerable patients.

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Correspondence to Kevin L. Winthrop.

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K. L. Winthrop has acted as a consultant for Abbott, Amgen, Genentech and Lilly, and has received grant/research support and acted as a consultant for Pfizer. J. S. Smolen has acted as a consultant and received grant/research support from Bristol–Myers Squibb, Centour, MSD, Pfizer, Roche, UCB.

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Winthrop, K., Smolen, J. Off-label biologics use and infection risk—the great unknown. Nat Rev Rheumatol 7, 685–686 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrrheum.2011.154

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