From Amgen: A History of Rheumatology Milestones

[Guest guest]

Year

Timeline Note

1600

First hypothesis that symptoms of rheumatism may denote a systemic, musculoskeletal condition.

1763

Willow tree bark is first used to treat pain and inflammation.

1800

Rheumatoid arthritis is first documented.

1858

The phrase "rheumatoid arthritis" is coined.

1876

Salicyclic acid is first used to treat pain and inflammation.

1880

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are first described.

1898

Aspirin is discovered and later used to treat pain and inflammation.

1907

British geneticist Archibald Garrod introduces modern differentiation between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

1927

International League Against Rheumatism is established.

1933

American College of Rheumatology is established.

1940s

Gold injections are accidentally discovered to treat arthritis.

1948

The Arthritis Foundation is established as a national voluntary health agency.

1949

The first glucocorticoid medication is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

1954

The first national conference to discuss arthritis research and treatment is held.

1970s

New anti-inflammatory drugs are introduced.

1970s

Penicillamine becomes available.

1971

The cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1) is identified.

1972

May is designated "National Arthritis Month" by President Nixon and Congress.

1974

Congress passes the "National Arthritis Act," recognizing arthritis as a major health problem and supporting research and treatment.

1977

The first genetic marker associated with rheumatoid arthritis is found.

1985

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), the first known naturally occurring protein that specifically blocks a cytokine, is discovered.

1985

The cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) is purified and sequenced. The gene encoding TNF is cloned.

Present

Amgen is conducting research in the area of Rheumatology to develop new and important therapies.