2026 Resolutions (1.9.2026) Save

Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news, announcements and journal articles from this past week on RheumNow.com. More on Variable bendability, a better way to treat RA, and a novel advance for GLP1a in PsA; and 2026 Resolutions!

1. 100 women w/ severe preeclampsia (PE) compared to 40 pregnant controls. antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) was significantly more prevalent iin PE women (34% vs 10%) [OR = 4.63]. aPL positivity was also linked to both early and late severe PE [OR = 4-5, p = .008]. https://t.co/YhwplHil1y
2. J&J announced positive topline results from Phase 2b JASMINE study showing the efficacy of of nipocalimab, FcRn blocker that reduces AutoAbs & B cell activity. Study met its 24 wk primary endpoint (SRI-4 response) vs placebo. There were no new safety signals https://t.co/87FZIogmkW
3. CASTLE Phase 1/2a CAR-T cell trial of 24 Tx refractory SLE, SSC, IIM pts w/ MB-CART19.1 (autologous CD19 CAR-T). Good safety (no CRS Gr 2 or higher or ICANS) @wk 24 & 22/24 achieved efficacy (9/10 SLE remission; 9/9 SSc no progression, 4/5 IIM major/mod response). All GC free on https://t.co/1BJidCuCeb
4. AC&R metanalysis of Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH) in adults - 46 studies (n=23,000 pts). GJH required 6 or more Beighton criteria, w/ prevalence of 2%, but 5% in young adults (18-25 yrs). Propose Dx thresholds should vary w/ age = ≥6/9 (18-25y), ≥5/9 (26-65y) & ≥4/9 https://t.co/fgDGKwUozh
5. Obesity and Low Back Pain A large patient population study finds weight gain, increases risk for low back pain - the risk increased 7% for every BMI unit or 10 pounds over ideal weight. https://t.co/EZQwhLpNjg
6. VA registry study; among 2771 RA pts (~65y), 64 (2.3%) had CPPD by ICD9/10 codes. RA+CPPD pts signif older [68 v. 64y], w/ more comorbidity/OA (94 v 80%), spine Dz, DM, but less ACPA (63 v 78%). SNRA+CPPD achieved less LDA, more use of pred & b/tsDMARDs (OR >2), death, TJR. Is https://t.co/hUPJzDseVc
7. Plenty of evidence that toxic environmental exposures increase #RA risk. Full read, intelligent report from Stanhope et al showing how (healthy environmental) green space exposures are protective & capable of preventing RA!! Lifestyle is gigantically important in your assessments https://buff.ly/BV68hdi
8. UK study of 1846 RA pts starting a b/tsDMARDs, ~30% on steroids & majority (2/3) continued use over the first year of new novel treatment. This suggests these aer either severe RA pts or that we are not vigilant in limiting/weaning/stopping steroids in RA patients - which is it? https://t.co/7NWeAWTjSy
9. Japan retrospective study of 38 RA pts who developed MTX assoc lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD) - 22 w/ spontaneous regression (SR) vs 16 non-SR (w/ 5 deaths). non-SR Pt had higher LDH levels at Dx & lower lymphocyte recovery 1 mo. post MTX withdrawal & higher mortality risk https://t.co/SsBQRxFvD1
10. 58 newly Dx #PMR pts (on <8 wks steroids/GC) randomised 1:1 MTX 25 mg/wk or placebo, w/ 24-week GC-tapering protocol. @wk 52 GC-free remission achieved in 80% of MTX vs 46% of placebo pts (risk difference 34%, 1-sided 95% CI: 14%, 1-sided P = .0042) https://t.co/75SLx5LtqZ
11. Adult co-twin study of 1261 pairs, 1/2 Rx w/ metformin. Although metformin Rx Twin had higher BMI, they had significantly less incident peripheral OA (adjusted HR 0.60; 0.44–0.82). @ 10 yrs, 6.7% of treated twins, vs 9.7% of non-treated twins had incident OA, with difference of https://t.co/7KpiGssFSo
12. Nordic Registry Study on NSAID use of ~750K, w/ 34-40% under 60 yrs. 48-58% started NSAIDs before Dx of OA. NSAID use incr w/ age from 18 to 55 yrs, then declined. OA pts have a substantial risk of GI complications in all age groups, including those under 60 yrs. Need to consider https://t.co/PLoUVI4Hys
13. Lilly announced results from phase 3b TOGETHER PsA trial; 271 obese PsA pts Rx w/ combo of ixekizumab & tirzepatide vs IXE alone. @36 wks Combo (IXE+TIR) was better at achieving ACR50 plus >10% wt loss (32% vs 0.8% IXE ALONE). ACR 50 better w/ Combo (34% vs 20%) https://buff.ly/pOe1g7G
14. Assess Reproductive Health in SLE Clinic Visits 
15. Ask Cush Anything – Dr, Lauren Johnson (+ECD4 test)
16. RheumNow Live is coming February 7th and 8th in Dallas Register today at http://rheumnow.live