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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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Methotrexate intolerance in rheumatoid arthritis
A current large rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cohort study from Cairo assessed methotrexate (MTX) use and found over half were MTX intolerant and a third of patients were noncompliant with MTX.
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Aortitis in Giant Cell Arteritis Treated with Tocilizumab
The The Tocilizumab in Giant Cell Arteritis Spanish Collaborative Group studied giant cell arteritis with aortitis, comparing the efficacy of intravenous vs. subcutaneously (SC) tocilizumab (TCZ) - demonstrating the superiority of SC TCZ.
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Retractions in Rheumatology
Retraction of rheumatology studies is not uncommon; a recent analysis shows retractions have risen substantially.
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B Cells at the Brink in Sjögren Disease
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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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/NIR0ejs1RL
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Potential New Rheumatology Drugs for 2026. These have had successful phase III RCTs and will need to be reviewed by regulators:
** deucravacitinib (Sotyktu) Tyk2 inhib for PsA
** Icotrokinra (Icotyde) oral IL-23i for psoriasis
** brepocitinib TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor for https://t.co/CQmfjIDMp3
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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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The EMA CHMP has started a review of oral complement C5 inhibitor avacopan (Tavneos) based on serious questions about amendments to the data from the pivotal ADVOCATE study. The drug was approved in 2021 for use in GPA & MPA. https://t.co/a5ggUqk1dG
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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
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Full read review of the Mechanistic Effects of Methotrexate in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. https://t.co/PrMyZ7q3wX download here: https://t.co/aRnmRm770Z https://t.co/5B0mBjzOXQ
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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
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
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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Expertise is valued by all, YET, (many consider) change might be risky. (happened w/ Hand-washing, antibiotics, smoking dangers, etc). "Just because the establishment doesn’t like it doesn’t mean it’s not a good idea. " - Seth Godin https://t.co/3vQ4eHa4jr https://t.co/9mIJwD1f7z
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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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Full read review of the Mechanistic Effects of Methotrexate in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. https://t.co/PrMyZ7q3wX download here: https://t.co/fvEocwsXIv https://t.co/ZWVctochHV
Links:
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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
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
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
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
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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