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New JAK inhibitors in the axSpA treatment landscape

Mrinalini Dey, MBBChir, MA(Hons) Cantab., MRCP, FHEA Jun 04, 2026

At EULAR 2026, two large phase 3 studies highlight that the JAK story in axSpA is still evolving rapidly, with different selectivity profiles and expanding global development programs continuing to push the field forward.

Article

MRI as a novel biomarker in lupus

Sheila Reyes, MD Jun 04, 2026

The clinical abstract sessions on diagnostic tools in lupus showcased interesting studies, including the use of MRI as potential non-invasive biomarkers.

Lung US for RA-ILD screening Comparison with diagnostic scores 147 RA pts (68 ILD on HRCT) Asymptomatic cohort Sens 95.4% Spe 77.7% Risk scores alone performed poorly. Combining US + risk scores boosted sensitivity to 100% → promising low-cost screening tool alongside HRCT. https://t.co/7C4zClaxry

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Can AI read 20 years of RA X-rays? And how much faster/better than us? 20 years ESPOIR cohort 7500+ joints RADAR algorithm 94–95% accuracy compared with expert readers 99% spe 93% sens #OP0344 #EULAR2026 @RheumNow https://t.co/8hFHCY4SaY

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Can AI spot RA inflammation from a thermal hand scan? Cohort 100 RA pts AI model analysing thermal images detected US PD+ wrist inflammation AUC 0.87 Main features wrist temperature & heat-pattern With all due validation could this be the next mass screening tool for RA? https://t.co/2AzXj5yQJI

https://x.com/AurelieRheumo/status/2062926841321496811/photo/1

The axSpA classification has been revised with the 2025 ASAS SPARTAN criteria. 5 abstracts at #EULAR2026 Abstr OP0236, OP0100, OP0239, POS0190 and POS1341. The single most important change in the 2025 criteria: MRI is now the highest-weighted variable and what counts as a https://t.co/xg4R4xRH2D

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SPARTAN-SSR: New quantitative criteria: BME in ≥3 consecutive slices OR any two of (BME, Erosion, Fat lesion each in ≥3 SIJ quadrants) or ankylosis in ≥3 halves achieves 88-96% sensitivity and 90-98% specificity across 3 cohorts. Precision #axSpA imaging. Abstr OP0100

Which imaging test has the highest carbon footprint??? Think wisely before prescribing 🩻 #EULAR2026 @RheumNow https://t.co/36Ej8smWRd

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#OP0350 UK Biobank analysis found widespread white matter microstructural abnormalities on diffusion MRI in RA, esp in fronto-subcortical & transcallosal pathways, despite no cortical volume/thickness differences on T1 MRI. #EULAR2026 @RheumNow

Starting the “Imaging innovation in RA” session with #OP0343: Singapore investigators developed an AI-based thermography model to detect RA wrist inflammation using thermal hand images, achieving an AUC of 0.87 against ultrasound power doppler as reference. #EULAR2026 @RheumNow https://t.co/2v39E6VOWB

https://x.com/DrMiniDey/status/2062798073244406073/photo/1

This study describes the SIJ differences in axSpA vs. non-axSpA pts with CBP axSpA: BME w/ widespread distribution & inflamm⬇️ over time non-axSpA: BME rare or limited only to ventral & middle superior sacrum Findings may improve MRI ID of axSpa AbsPOS0193 @RheumNow #EULAR2026 https://t.co/7eiHQOOIWs

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PET-derived parameters in #PsA correlated with DAPSA, CRP and patient pain. Angiogenesis imaging may be a complementary biomarker of overall disease burden Abstr#OP068 #EULAR2026 #Imaging

One of the main changes in the 2025 update on the EULAR guidelines for imaging in SpA is that of MRI replacing CR as the initial imaging modality while CR & low dose CT of SIJs became alternative modalities in the absence of or if with CIs to MRI AbsPOS0682 @RheumNow #EULAR2026 https://t.co/bj2NWKnIGf

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#OP0344 RADAR, AI-automated scoring of RA radiographic damage, was applied to 20yr ESPOIR imaging data. Strong performance vs expert readers, w binary classification accuracy up to 0.95 & ICC 0.86. Supports AI-assisted long-term structural assessment in RA. #EULAR2026 @RheumNow

🔍 Do posterior element lesions progress over 10 years in axSpA? Data from the DESIR inception cohort (n=320) says RARELY! But baseline PE inflammation raises facet ankylosis risk ~70-fold #POS0189 #EULAR2026 @RheumNow https://t.co/PdwlPGjKqK

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🧲 Does GUS+GOL combo beat GUS alone on MRI in PsA? YES for joints - AFFINITY Phase 2a RCT: greater MRI inflammation reduction in 91pts #OP0186 #EULAR2026 @RheumNow https://t.co/9eIS6lh7WN

https://x.com/Nellziade/status/2062542859106910588/photo/1

What defines MRI indicative of axSpA? This systematic lit review show adapting more stringent cutoffs in BME (>=4 SIJ quads, erosion >=3 quads, fat >=5 SIJ quads) & combined BME + structural lesions inc specificity. Time for updated definitions? AbsPOS0866 @RheumNow #EULAR2026 https://t.co/gkVbcOAiD3

https://x.com/RHEUMarampa/status/2062515092722208958/photo/1

#OP0236: a look at the revised 2025 ASAS-SPARTAN classification criteria for axSpA from the global CLASSIC cohort. The updated criteria achieved 79.5% sensitivity & 90.4% specificity, with MRI & radiographic sacroiliitis remaining central to classification. #EULAR2026 @RheumNow https://t.co/rVIqyCmB8K

https://x.com/DrMiniDey/status/2062478467053326595/photo/1

🔍 Best imaging outcome for #axSpA structural change? SPACE cohort (n=332): MRI-SIJ fat lesions most sensitive to change #OP0103 #EULAR2026 @RheumNow https://t.co/His1BGYmEW

https://x.com/Nellziade/status/2062240635684352173/photo/1

🖥️ Can MRI-based synthetic CT detect spinal progression in #axSpA? COPECARE (n=25, 1yr): sCT matches ldCT with no radiation #OP0104 #EULAR2026 @RheumNow https://t.co/pe9wSMXXZQ

https://x.com/Nellziade/status/2062240852999545265/photo/1

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New JAK inhibitors in the axSpA treatment landscape

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