Recent News
Read ArticleDr. Jack Cush reviews the news, announcements and journal articles from this past week on RheumNow.com. More on Variable bendability, a better way to treat RA, and a novel advance for GLP1a in PsA; and 2026 Resolutions!
J&J announced positive topline results from Phase 2b JASMINE study showing the efficacy of of nipocalimab, FcRn blocker that reduces AutoAbs & B cell activity. Study met its 24 wk primary endpoint (SRI-4 response) vs placebo. There were no new safety signals https://t.co/KMseKyGirt
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Kick off 2026 with #RheumNowLive—two days of cutting-edge rheumatology, rapid-fire STEP talks, interactive Q&A, and real-world insights with Drs. Jack Cush, Arthur Kavanaugh, and a powerhouse faculty.
Register: https://t.co/MVgXnacU5q https://t.co/7ajH7Ry0Uj
Links:
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“The practice of medicine is an art, not a trade; a calling, not a business; a calling in which your heart will be exercised equally with your head. – Sir William Osler
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Anti-mitochondrial M2 Ab (AMA-M2) in 987 IIM pts-- 55 (6%) were AMA-M2 positive. AMA-M2+ had signif. higher rates of polymyositis (56% vs 23.5%), GGT, alk phos levels, & 3 fold more cardiac involvement (60 vs 13%) (arrhythmias, CHF, pulm HTN (31-56%), but no effect on survival https://t.co/8fQzgRfHr4
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Best of 2025: 2025 BSR Guideline for Treatment of Axial Spondyloarthritis
The British Society of Rheumatology's 2025 Guidelines for treating axSpa focus on both axial and extra-musculoskeletal issues like uveitis, psoriasis, and IBD. They evaluate the effectiveness and safety of https://t.co/8VNQtP3Izj
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UK study of 1846 RA pts starting a b/tsDMARDs, ~30% on steroids & majority (2/3) continued use over the first year of new novel treatment. This suggests these aer either severe RA pts or that we are not vigilant in limiting/weaning/stopping steroids in RA patients - which is it? https://t.co/TrAktincKT
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Japan retrospective study of 38 RA pts who developed MTX assoc lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD) - 22 w/ spontaneous regression (SR) vs 16 non-SR (w/ 5 deaths). non-SR Pt had higher LDH levels at Dx & lower lymphocyte recovery 1 mo. post MTX withdrawal & higher mortality risk https://t.co/TRizVwP2BQ
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Subcutaneous Anifrolumab Effective in Lupus
A new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology demonstrates that subcutaneous administration of anifrolumab provides efficacy comparable to intravenous administration, offering a promising alternative for at-home care of patients https://t.co/KgBC8vJHuB
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2025 Rheumatologists, In Memorium
In 2025, rheumatology lost many of its most influential clinicians, mentors, and colleagues. This honor roll recognizes those who cared for countless patients, shaped generations of rheumatologists, and left a lasting legacy in our field. As Dr.
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DERM on RheumNow Podcast (December 2025)
https://t.co/icOauEOhLP https://t.co/eMt40WFiFD
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Shortened Leukocyte telomere length (PBL-TL) is assoc w/ systemic sclerosis–ILD. Study of PBL-TL in 244 SSc vs 314 controls, found signif shorter PBL-TL in SSC. Short PBL-TL was assoc w/ ILD & Pulm HTN, more lung related hospitalizations, but not w/ Raynauds, skin or vascular dz
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Plenty of evidence that toxic environmental exposures increase #RA risk. Full read, intelligent report from Stanhope et al showing how (healthy environmental) green space exposures are protective & capable of preventing RA!! Lifestyle is gigantically important in your https://t.co/LUWmHhUT7F
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Glucocorticoid Injections in Knee Osteoarthritis
A randomized clinical trial of 60 patients found that glucocorticoid injections into the infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) did not significantly reduce pain scores in patients with inflammatory knee osteoarthritis (OA) (compared to https://t.co/4bKAxER0wq
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100 women w/ severe preeclampsia (PE) compared to 40 pregnant controls. antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) was significantly more prevalent iin PE women (34% vs 10%) [OR = 4.63]. aPL positivity was also linked to both early and late severe PE [OR = 4-5, p = .008]. https://t.co/YhwplHil1y
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Assess Reproductive Health in SLE Clinic Visits
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) mainly affects women of childbearing age, increasing their risk of infertility, miscarriages, and pregnancy complications due to disease factors and medications. Rheumatologists should actively https://t.co/hqWSpqJ6HN
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GLP-1 Agonist plus IL-17 Inhibition in Obese Psoriatic Arthritis
Lilly announced the topline results from its phase 3b "TOGETHER PsA" trial, showing that the combination use of ixekizumab (Taltz) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) was superior to IXE alone, yielding both significant weight loss and ACR50 disease control in adults with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
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J&J announced positive topline results from Phase 2b JASMINE study showing the efficacy of of nipocalimab, FcRn blocker that reduces AutoAbs & B cell activity. Study met its 24 wk primary endpoint (SRI-4 response) vs placebo. There were no new safety signals https://t.co/87FZIogmkW
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Nordic Registry Study on NSAID use of ~750K, w/ 34-40% under 60 yrs. 48-58% started NSAIDs before Dx of OA. NSAID use incr w/ age from 18 to 55 yrs, then declined. OA pts have a substantial risk of GI complications in all age groups, including those under 60 yrs. Need to consider https://t.co/PLoUVI4Hys
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CASTLE Phase 1/2a CAR-T cell trial of 24 Tx refractory SLE, SSC, IIM pts w/ MB-CART19.1 (autologous CD19 CAR-T). Good safety (no CRS Gr 2 or higher or ICANS) @wk 24 & 22/24 achieved efficacy (9/10 SLE remission; 9/9 SSc no progression, 4/5 IIM major/mod response). All GC free on https://t.co/1BJidCuCeb
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From the blog
Podcasts
2026 Resolutions (1.9.2026)
DERM on RheumNow Podcast (December 2025)
Comorbidity and Health Management-
Telling You Where to Go (12.19.2025)
Therapeutic Updates
IL-23 Inhibition Across Psoriatic Disease* and Inflammatory Bowel Disease†
Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson
Watch Dr. Khattri & Jennifer Labas, MSN, discuss IL-23 inhibition in adults with active PsA, moderate to severe plaque PsO, moderately to severely active UC, & moderately to severely active CD
Read Post
Underserved and Under-treated
RheumNow
Watch our Underserved and Under-Treated series as part of this month's Mission: APP Partners in Care campaign. Now available: Pain Management and Workforce & APPs
Read Post
Poster Hall
Sponsored by AbbVie Medical Affairs + Health Impact
