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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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Canada's 2025 Top 10 Funded Research Projects
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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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RheumNow Live Preview (1.30.2026)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from RheumNow.com - and the top 5 reasons to attend RheumNow Live 2026, which is one week away.
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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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Congratulations to Dr. Cheryl Barnabe for receiving the 2026 Distinguished Investigator Award from the Canadian Rheumatology Association, for her excellence in rheumatology research & clinical care. Dr. Barnabe is a professor at the University of Calgary https://t.co/xxNI8qR9sn https://t.co/zHkAOoyD7f
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Air pollution ups ANA+: Ontariio Canadi study of 3548 serum samples (2010-13) corrlated particulate matter (PM2.5) w/ serologies. Highest vs lowest quartile PM2.5 showed higher risk of ANA ≥1:640 (OR 1.46) & ≥1:1280 (OR 1.54). Pollution has systemic immune effects! https://t.co/fJrhypNE2A
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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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TOPKAT Trial: Partial vs Total Knee Replacement
Patients with osteoarthritis (OA) primarily affecting only one knee joint compartment did just as well with partial knee replacement (PKR) as with total arthroplasty after 10 years in a randomized trial -- and maybe a little bit https://t.co/MNpVeHQbJ2
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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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“Play the game for more than you can afford to lose... only then will you learn the game.”
- Winston Churchill
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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/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
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Clinical contributors to pathogenesis and treatment outcomes for rheumatoid arthritis. Full read review of pathogenesis and unmet needs in #RA https://t.co/IEC0tsp1Rk https://t.co/jIsqhy9rQh
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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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Testing for RF, CCP, ESR and CRP
Check out the accompanying Advanced Practice Rheum: Rheumatoid and Inflammation Testing video.
https://t.co/4hkDO1M2UD https://t.co/APRKYLAS3k
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APPIPRA Study - Benefits of Early Treatment
Treating people who are at high risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can delay the onset of the disease for several years, with benefits also continuing well after treatment has stopped.
https://t.co/GYguq7VlqT https://t.co/5Z0BXIm3cM
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NEJM - Baker’s Cyst
A 63-year-old woman with psoriatic arthritis presented with a 9-month history of pain in the left knee. A nontender, palpable mass was present in the left popliteal fossa, which had a “speech bubble” shape on ultrasonography. https://t.co/7wBnkDoUaX https://t.co/m0AhRnDc4c
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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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Remission? Single center study of 100 RA, 100 SLE pts assessed by SLEDAI-2K, SDAI, VAS. Remission/LDA found in 88% of 392 SLE visits & 91% of 389 RA visits(p=NS). Remission was more common in SLE vs RA (79% vs 69%; p= 0.0018). https://t.co/ZPRrYQMsCT
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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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