Educational Needs:Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a chronic immune disorder which leads to organ damage and impairment over time. Current standard of care is largely based on empirical use of pharmacologic agents which were not specifically designed for the treatment of this complicated disorder. Scientific progress in the last two decades has led to better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in lupus erythematosus. Review of recent advances and newer approved treatment modalities will be important for the management of this disease by Rheumatologists.

Seronegative spondyloarthropathies have been recognized as a group of important rheumatologic diseases which account for a greater prevalence than previously thought. In spite of the diversity of the clinical features, Spondyloarthropathies have common genetic and phenotypic properties. Review of the scientific knowledge on the pathogenesis and the results of clinical trials in the treatment of these disorders will help practicing Rheumatologists gain better understanding that will help manage these diseases.

Biosimilars have come to the forefront in the last decade in the wake of successful use of original biologic agents such as the TNF alpha inhibitors. Clinical studies are being carried out to compare the efficacy of the Biosimilars. It is to be expected that Biosimilars will be approved by the FDA in the foreseeable future.

Today’s challenging health care environment is affecting the way physicians manage their practices, interfering with access to care and forcing them to make difficult decisions. Physicians seek to continue to provide quality care while contending with reduced Medicare reimbursement rates, medical claims, process errors and inefficiency, and legislative and regulatory changes. Rheumatologists need to be aware of emerging trends in practice management, payer reform, and

administrative simplification of impact to the success of their practices and quality of patient care.

Educational Objectives:At the conclusion of the meeting, attendees should be able to:

1. Review the role of chronic inflammation in progressive organ damage of SLE.

2. Review an update on the immunologic phenotypes of SLE patient subsets and evaluate the impact of these definable patient subsets on treatment choices and dose optimization.

3. Review epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic criteria in axial and peripheral Seronegative Spondyloarthropathies.

4. Identify treatment options of Spondyloarthropathies.5. Review the development of Biosimilars and their efficacy in

clinical trials.6. Evaluate tools for RA disease activity assessment.7. Examine the business, legal and regulatory forces impacting

the delivery of medical care, with a particular emphasis on the impact on Rheumatology.

SAPS CME ACCREDITATION STATEMENT: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Southern Alliance for Physician Specialties and the Arkansas Rheumatology Association. The Southern Alliance for Physician Specialties CME is accredited by the Medical Association of Georgia to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Southern Alliance for Physician Specialties CME designates this live activity for a maximum of 3.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

2016 ARA EDUCATIONAL NEEDS & OBJECTIVES AND ACCREDITATIONObtain detailed meeting information and/or register quickly and easily online at http://tinyurl.com/ara2016

ARKANSAS RHEUMATOLOGY ASSOCIATION, INC.

S S O C I A T I O N

R K A N S A SHEUMATOLOGY

2016 Annual MeetingMay 7, 2016Embassy SuitesLittle Rock, Arkansas

GENERAL MEETING INFORMATION

Registration/Information Desk Hours.Location: Ambassador I-II FoyerSaturday, May 7, 2016 6:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Hours Location: Ambassador I-IISaturday, May 7, 2016 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

HOTEL INFORMATION

Embassy Suites 11301 Financial Centre ParkwayLittle Rock, Arkansas 72211-3735Main: (501) 312-9000Fax: (501) 312-9455Website: http://tinyurl.com/embassy-suites-little-rock

HOTEL INFORMATION CONTINUED

Room Rate: $129.00Hotel Deadline: April 11, 2016Reservations: (501) 537-3310

Room RateARA has negotiated a discounted rate of $129 plus tax (currently 13%) at Embassy Suites Arkansas.

Hotel DeadlineThe deadline to receive the ARA group rate is April 11, 2016. ARA encourages you to make your reservation early, as the hotel and discount block may sell out before this date. After this date, reservations will be accepted based on availability and higher rates may apply.

ReservationsAttendees are responsible for making their reservations by calling the hotel at (501) 537-3310. Please reference Arkansas Rheumatology Association to receive the discounted rate.

Hotel Deposit and Cancellation PolicyAll reservations must be accompanied by a first night room deposit or guaranteed with a major credit card. These deposits are fully refundable if the hotel is notified 72 hours prior to arrival and a cancellation number is obtained.

TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION

Airport InformationBill & Hillary Clinton National Airport is approximately 12 miles from the Embassy Suites, Little Rock or 20 minutes by car.

Taxi Cab ServicesSeveral taxi companies operate at the Bill & Hillary Clinton National Airport. Taxi rates for a one-way transfer to the hotel cost approximately $40.00.

Rental Car InformationAvis® Rent-A-Car is the official rental car company for the ARA meeting. For reservations, please call (800) 331-1600, and use the code “J901055” to receive the discounted rates.

ParkingEmbassy Suites charges $5 for guest’s daily self-parking. If you prefer to park in the garage or use the onsite valet company, prices will be published onsite.

ARA 2016 PROGRAM SCHEDULE

SATURDAY, MAY 7, 20166:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Registration/Information Desk Location: Ambassador I-II Foyer7:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall Location: Ambassador I-II7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Industry Satellite Symposium Breakfast Location: Ambassador V-VI

GENERAL SESSION 8:00 a.m. - 8:05 a.m. Welcome Address ARA President: Michael Saitta, MD

8:05 a.m. - 8:50 a.m. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Novel Concepts in the Pathogenesis and Treatment Vasileios C. Kyttaris, MD Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

8:50 a.m. - 9:35 a.m. Regenerative Treatment of Spondyloarthritis John D. Reveille, MD University Texas Health Sciences Center

9:35 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Break and Networking Session in Exhibit Hall

10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. *Bio Similiars Justin Caudle Janssen Biotech, Inc. *NOT CME Accredited

10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. RA Disease Activity Assessment Nasim A. Khan, MD University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Annual Business Meeting12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Networking Lunch in Exhibit Hall1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Federal and State Advocacy Panel Moderator: Jeff Okazaki, MBA CSRO, Executive Director Government Relations

Panelists: Angela Harris Arthritis Foundation David Wroten Arkansas Medical Society

2:30 p.m. Closing President Remarks

All sessions will be located in the Consulate I-II unless otherwise noted.Speakers and times are subject to change.

Disclaimer StatementStatements, opinions and results of studies contained in the program are those of the presenters/authors and do not reflect the policy or position of the ARA nor does the ARA provide any warranty as to their accuracy or reliability.

ARA 2016 ANNUAL MEETING REGISTRATION FORMMay 7, 2016

Online registration will be open through Wednesday, April 27, 2016. After this date, registration will be available onsite. Registration Fees are subject to change. To lock in these rates, register now!

Please select the category that best describes your status: Rheumatologist Physician

INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES ONLY Industry Employee whose company is already supporting ARA $175

Industry Employee whose company is NOT already supporting ARA $1,250

Your submission will need to be approved prior to confirmation of your registration. Approval may be based on current Industry support. To find out if your company is currently supporting ARA please contact Brittany Kallman in the Registration Department at (847) 264-5963 or by email at brittany@wjweiser.com.

How did you learn about this conference? (Check all that apply) Calendar/Monthly Listing

First Name:______________________________________________________Last Name:_______________________________________________________

Degree(s):_______________________________________________________Badge First Name:_________________________________________________

Address:________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Home Office

City:_______________________________________________________________State:__________________________ Zip: __________________________

Phone: __________________________ Fax: __________________________ Email:____________________________________________________________

MEETING REGISTRATIONRegistration Categories Fees Total Cost

Physician $25 =$

Non Physician Provider $25 =$

Practice Manager $25 =$

Student (expected graduation year _____) Complimentary =$

Fellow (expected graduation year _____) Complimentary =$

Resident (expected graduation year _____) Complimentary =$

PAYMENT INFORMATIONThe ARA requires payment for registration fees and full payment of optional activities by check or credit card.

Check (payable to the WJ Weiser Meetings) Visa MasterCard American Express

Credit Card #:___________________________________________________________Expiration Date:_______________________CVV#:________________

Name on Credit Card:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Billing Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Please note: If paying by credit card, the name WJ Weiser & Associates (the management company of the ARA) will appear on your statement.

Signature: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

The issuer of the card identified on this item is authorized to pay the amount shown as TOTAL upon proper presentation. I promise to pay such TOTAL (together with any other charges due thereon) subject to and in accordance with the agreement governing the use of such card.

PHONE REGISTRATIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED. Acceptable registration methods include:• By Fax: (847) 517-7229• By Mail: ARA, Two Woodfield Lake, 1100 E. Woodfield Road, Suite 350, Schaumburg, IL 60173• Online: http://tinyurl.com/ara2016

If paying by check, please forward payment to: Arkansas Rheumatology Association (payable to the WJ Weiser Meetings)Attn: RegistrationTwo Woodfield Lake | 1100 E Woodfield Road, Suite 350 | Schaumburg, IL 60173-5116

Full Time Administrator Non Physician Provider

Other Medical Professional Fellow

Researcher Resident

Student/Trainee Industry Employee

Email Member Newsletter Registration Brochure Mailer

REGISTRATION CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICYRegistration refund requests must be submitted in writing to the ARA Executive Office no later than 4/11/2016. All refund requests will be subject to a $10 processing fee. No refunds will be made after 4/11/2016.

REGISTRATION INFORMATIONRegistration Fee Includes:

• Entrance to all sessions• Program Materials• Breakfast/Breaks/Lunch

Registration Cancellation and Refund PolicyRegistration refund requests must be submitted in writing to the ARA Executive Office no later than 4/11/2016. All refund requests will be subject to a $10 processing fee. No refunds will be made after 4/11/2016.

Special NeedsFor accommodations on the basis of disability or special dietary needs, please call (847) 517-7225.

QuestionsContact the ARA Executive Office by:Phone: (847) 517-7225 | Fax: (847) 517-7229Email: ara@wjweiser.com Website: http://tinyurl.com/ara2016

UPDATED REGISTRATION MATERIALS ENCLOSED

S S O C I A T I O N

R K A N S A SHEUMATOLOGY

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Two Woodfield Lake1100 E. Woodfield Road, Suite 350

Schaumburg IL 60173

ARKANSAS RHEUMATOLOGY ASSOCIATION2016 ANNUAL MEETING

S S O C I A T I O N

R K A N S A SHEUMATOLOGY

2016 Annual MeetingMay 7, 2016

Embassy SuitesLittle Rock, Arkansas

Embassy Suites 11301 Financial Centre ParkwayLittle Rock, Arkansas 72211-3735Main: (501) 312-9000Fax: (501) 312-9455Website: http://tinyurl.com/embassy-suites-little-rock

Room Rate: $129.00Hotel Deadline: April 11, 2016Reservations: (501) 537-3310

Register quickly and easily online athttp://tinyurl.com/ara2016