Novel Rx

Dr. Jack Cush reviews and highlights his favorite abstracts and presentations from last week's virtual EULAR 2021 meeting.

Given its multiple domains, there remains much discussion over the best disease activity scoring method in PsA. The proverbial "holy grail" would be a measure that is quick, intuitive, domain comprehensive and validated.

An analysis of SLE samples from SLE 1760 patients with active disease from RCTs illustrated several known and some new targets for SLE treatment (POS0351).

Combination disease modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy may not be only for rheumatoid arthritis; combining disease modifying agents may be the path to better renal response. 

Here are a few notable presentations from this past Friday, Day 3 of the EULAR 2021 virtual meeting.

It seems like every conference we are presented with data on the newest biologic for treatment of psoriatic arthritis, but the question is, do we need it? Oral presentation (6937) discussed that issue and addressed our need for a more personalized approach to the treatment of PsA. 

The question as to how autoimmune rheumatic disease patients fare with the COVID vaccine is one being asked in rheumatologists’ offices everywhere this year, and at the EULAR 2021 Virtual Congress, data presented from Israel, one of the first countries to vaccinate on a broad scale, has provided much-needed reassuring answers.

In RA, the two most common peaks of incidence are thirties and fifties; however a significant percentage of patients above the age of 70 present with active RA -of early or later onset- and require adapted treatment.

Check out this compilation of our EULAR 2021 Day 2 broadcasts below. You can also follow the EULAR 2021 RheumNow podcasts on iTunes and Soundcloud.com Listen by Clicking below: 1. EULAR2021 - Day2a 2. EULAR2021 - Day2b

Dr Jack Cush reviews highlight presentations from the first 3 days of EULAR 2021.

The second day of EULAR 2021 took a big leap in online content.  #EULAR2021 generated 2500 tweets yesterday. Here is a compilation (with links) of presentations were the “Best” as seen by our RheumNow faculty. 

The evidence-based recommendations from the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis were presented at #EULAR2021. The goal (as per 2009 recommendations) was “To develop recommendations, based upon the best scientific evidence, for the optimal treatment of patients with PsA” Dr.

On day 2 of EULAR conference, Dr. Michael Ehrenstein presented OP0129, a presentation on the BEAT-LUPUS trial looking at belimumab therapy after rituximab. B cell depletion with rituximab is common treatment for refractory SLE, though real-world data for rituximab has been uncertain. It is known that B-cell activating factor (BAFF) levels can increase after rituximab, which can lead to disease flares. Using belimumab, a human monoclonal antibody

During Day 2 there were great sessions devoted to RA, spondylarthritis, fatigue and more.  Here are some of my highlights from Day 2.

RA associated ILD (RA-ILD) is the most common extra-articular manifestation in RA. Its prevalence varies considerably, ranging from 5% to 30%, and is often underestimated since patients only become symptomatic or display abnormalities on chest X-Ray at a late stage of disease, leading to subsequent delay in diagnosis. In this context, several groups advocate for an earlier and more precise detection, using high resolution chest computed