Dr. Jack Cush reviews the FDA approvals and news reports from this past week on RheumNow.com. This week we discuss playing the numbers in rheumatology, playing the long game with stem cell transplants, and a=the Positive spin on seronegative RA. 

For someone who has spent so much of his career recognizing the work of others, it is fitting that Dr. John J. “Jack” Cush should have his own moment in the spotlight.

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) today issued the following statement in response to the final Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) for calendar year 2027 (CY27) from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

An international study reports 60% progression-free survival at 10 years after autologous bone marrow transplantation, adding important evidence on sustained positive clinical outcomes and long-term safety in patients treated for early severe systemic sclerosis.

Resolution of dryness remains a key unmet need for patients with Sjögren disease (SjD), as highlighted by the Sjögren SIG session “How to treat SjD” on the final day of APLAR 2026. A rheumatology talk in the session noted that recent phase III trials of ianalumab, dazodalibep and telitacicept improved ESSDAI scores, with only some evidence of benefit for dryness itself. Symptomatic care therefore still carries the load. Masafumi Moriyama, DDS, PhD, offered practical insight from the oral health side.

A current review of seronegative RA (SNRA) by D’Onofrio, et al in npj Autoimmunity shows the diverse fate of seronegative RA - which can resolve, persist or become refractory. Clearly dedicated trials of SNRA are needed to better predict.

Sun Pharmaceuticals announced Friday that the FDA has approved its IL-23 inhibitor, tildrakizumab  (Ilumya) for use in patients with active psoriatic arthritis.