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Canada's 2025 Top 10 Funded Rheumatology Projects

Arthritis Society

Arthritis Society Canada (ASC) is Canada’s largest charitable funder of cutting-edge arthritis research, investing more than $240 million in research projects since its founding, and over $7 million invested in 2024-2025. Below are the investigators and projects that were funded in 2025.

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B Cells at the Brink in Sjögren Disease

Jack Cush, MD

The current issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology reviews current understanding of the immunopathogenesis of Sjögren disease (SjD) and how that has influenced the quest for drug development for this most systemic autoimmune disorder. 

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NEJM: Aortitis Due to Large-Vessel Vasculitis 63yoM w/ Hx HTN c/o 3 mos of CP, palpitations, abdominal pain. ESR-104, CRP 85 mg/L. CT showed thickening of the thoracic & abdominal aorta. After 6wks Rx w/ AZA, HCQ, Pred, ESR/CRP still high and pt stared on SC TCZ w/ improvement. https://t.co/IWm3ZQLBUN
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FDA has announced "Breakthrough Designation" for 3 drugs + 1 test being developed: ** Biogen: litifilimab (targets dendritic cells) for cutaneous lupus ** Novartis: Ianalumab (BAFF blockade) for Sjogrens ** J&J: Nipocaiimab (FcRn) for Sjogrens ** Encarta: pocket Lyme test https://t.co/zODOTWyqP8
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DMARD Responses in Localized Scleroderma JAMA Dermatology has published the results of a juvenile localized scleroderma (JLS) trial showing that mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and methotrexate (MTX) are equally effective in treating JLS, noting low flare rates and possibly better https://t.co/BbIS5rdRYU
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B Cells at the Brink in Sjögren Disease The current issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology reviews the current understanding of the immunopathogenesis of Sjögren disease (SjD) and how this understanding has informed drug development for this systemic autoimmune disorder. https://t.co/p3dn1Ca2ag
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Roche Canada announced that Health Canada has approved obinutuzumab (Gazyva) for the treatment of adult patients with active lupus nephritis who are receiving standard therapy. Following four initial doses in the first year, Gazyva can be administered twice yearly https://t.co/P4dCVkoPCH
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UK NHS has cut use of physician associates over ‘substitute doctor’ fear. The reduction in roles is being blamed by union leaders for an increasing in waiting times and consultants’ workload. Plus 76% of PAs said their scope of practice had been restricted in recent months. GMC https://t.co/i0l4x9UVhZ
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Lupus Foundation announced today that US House of Representatives have approved $27 Million in Funding for Lupus Programs in 2026 w/ fund available from (CDC), OMH, & DoD. Funding increased 40% @ CDC, 33% @OMH, & $415 million @ National Institutes of Health https://t.co/ENcykcW7yA
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Roche Canada announced that Health Canada has approved obinutuzumab (Gazyva) for the treatment of adult patients with active lupus nephritis who are receiving standard therapy. Following four initial doses in the first year, Gazyva can be administered twice yearly https://t.co/snAVErShjK
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Lupus Accelerating Breakthroughs Consortium commissioned a stakeholders group (including the FDA) to assess drug development in Cutaneous lupus CLE), and they have endorsed CLASI (CLE Dz Area & Severity Index) as the outcome measure for CLE clinical trials. https://t.co/q7If97AHBa
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