Pre-ACR25 (10.24.2025)

Jack Cush, MD

Oct 24, 2025 12:50 pm

Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and info reports the day before ACR 2025

FDA Approves Obinutuzumab for Active Lupus Nephritis The FDA has approved obinutuzumab (Gazyva) for the treatment of lupus nephritis. This is good news for the more than 1.7 million people worldwide with lupus nephritis. https://t.co/WbpATY86BY
Study of biopsy proven lupus nephritis pts (1970-2024) - a total of 324 LN pts followed for median 9.9 yrs -- 30 (9.3%) developed Venous Thromboembolic event (VTE); time from LN to 1st VTE 4.4 yrs. Predictors were SLEDAI-2K score (HR= 1.05) and proteinuria level (HR 1.26) https://buff.ly/Ld29MpC
Saphnelo (anifrolumab) has been recommended for approval in EU by CHMP for systemic lupus erythematosus (on top of standard therapy) as a once-weekly pre-filled pen. Recommendation based on TULIP-SC Phase III trial. https://t.co/VRUycfLRtf
Phase 3b/4 head-to-head SELECT-SWITCH study tested Humira vs Rinvoq in 492 RA MTX pts failing a TNFi then Rx w/ ADA vs UPA x12 wks. UPA > ADA w/ DAS28-CRP < 3.2 (43% vs 22%; p<0.001) and also for DAS28-CRP < 2.6 (28% vs 14%). No new safety signals seen. https://t.co/EAJ9GglMjv
Study from Czech ATTRA registry of 8,543 RA pts 641 (7.5%) met criteria for D2T-RA & 1,825 achieved remission (21%). D2T-RA predicted by machine learning models (accuracy 0.606–0.747, AUC 0.656–0.832). Predictors included CDAI, DAS28-ESR, TJC, HAQ, CRP, steroids https://t.co/PqgKzKhM6h
30% of RA pts have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In 170 pts on MTX or biologics (TNFi, IL-6i)- NAFLD was found in 36%. MTX & biologics were not linked to NAFLD or fibrosis -- BUT was signif assoc w/ metabolic syndr, BMI, Waist, ALT, and AST (all p < .001) https://t.co/MpkxjHEbxK
6-week intensive smoking cessation prg studied in 94 RA daily smokers in remission or low Dz activity (DAS28-CRP=2.9). At 3 mos the intervention group had higher cessation rates; but had no effect on EULAR responses, TJC, or CRP (result actually favoured the controls) https://t.co/HPJYeyPCPQ
Retrospective study of 423 seropositiv RA pts (SPRA) finds 21% with baseline ILD; over 10 yrs 31% had ILD. High monocyte counts signif higher in RA-ILD; whereas RF, CCP did not predict. Age & ILD predicted mortality - not monocytes, RF or CCP https://t.co/8H4wqZI3WQ https://t.co/dK9iHwj3cz
Colchicine Ineffective in Long COVID Management of long COVID has been perplexing with symptoms having functional and possibly inflammatory origins. Colchicine has been studied in long COVID and failed to improve functional capacity, respiratory function, or inflammatory https://t.co/9E3dvUFqJP
SGLT-2 inhibitors and the prevention of autoimmune rheumatic disease SGLT-2 inhibitors offer benefits beyond glycemic control, such as cardioprotective and nephroprotective effects, and modest weight loss. A recent study also suggests they may have immunomodulatory effects and https://t.co/O4Pi8GyT32
Single center study ANCA-assoc. vasculitis. From 78 pts had poor outcomes (16 ESKD, 15 deaths). Elevated BUN was a risk factor (adj HR 1.07). Risk factors for ESKD were baseline BUN & WBC. Risks for death included CV Dz (HR 8.7), NLR (1.04) &anti-PLt Rx (HR 6.8) https://t.co/QQrDmja0zo
5–10% of axSpA pts have comorbid IBD. Southern Swedish study 152 (r- & nr-) axSpA pts found elevated fecal calprotectin (≥ 50 mg/kg) & this was assoc. w/ more damage w/ higher mSASSS values for all axSpA (adj OR 2.2) & in r-axSpA (adj OR 2.9) https://t.co/Hi1lE4so1r
12 yr study of 115 Systemic Sclerosis pts shows Finger-to-palm distance (tip 4th finger to distal palmar crease) may be a useful tool for predicting the progression of skin thickening and the development of digital ulcers in the early stages of severe SSc https://t.co/brCEz5Fqac
RheumNow is your companion for ACR Convergence 2025. Expect: • KOL videos • Clinical trial highlights • Daily faculty recaps • Live streaming #ACR25 #Rheumatology #ClinicalTrials https://t.co/IdH5HIQAQX