Following the success of Phase 3 randomised controlled trials of non-renal and renal vasculitis, therapy with rituximab has tremendously improved the outcomes of AAV patients. However, some patients are unable to taper their glucocorticoids during rituximab therapy while others appear to be refractory to therapy, particularly those with EGPA. Hence, what are other current or future approaches beyond rituximab?

Methotrexate (MTX) has been used as the anchor drug for the treatment of RA and PsA for many years. Despite our long experience with the use of MTX, one area that has remained uncertain is its effect on male fertility. There is now increasing evidence that cessation of MTX in males prior to trying conceive is not necessary.

Day 4 was a half day closeout to the EULAR 2023 Congress. For me the big presentations were the late breaking abstracts, although there were other review and abstract sessions for those remaining.  Many people missed the last day (June 3rd) of the meeting as a pending Milan airport strike on June 4th dictated last-minute changes to travel and learning. Here are a few of my favorite abstracts from the Late Breaker Session.