Current therapies for rheumatoid arthritis rely on sustained immunosuppression rather than restoration of immune tolerance, with off-drug remission remaining rare.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‑cell therapy, long established in hematologic malignancies, is now emerging as a transformative approach in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a disease historically managed with chronic immunosuppression.

We are in a transformative era in SLE which generates excitement to both physicians and people living with lupus. We now have four licensed biologics/targeted therapies (i.e., belimumab, voclosporin and obinutuzumab for active lupus nephritis, and belimumab and anifrolumab for active non-renal SLE). Moreover, many other agents with different mode of action and administration are in late phase trials. This article previews some data being presented at EULAR 2026 Congress in London.

Pharmaceutical companies are presenting pivotal clinical trial results and key data analyses at the EULAR 2026 Congress (June 3–6, London). Below is a summary of their most important studies — many of which are registration-enabling or will directly shape treatment decisions in rheumatic diseases.