MRI as a novel biomarker in lupus

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The clinical abstract sessions on diagnostic tools in lupus showcased interesting studies, including the use of MRI as potential non-invasive biomarkers.

Three Abstracts That May Shape the Future of RA Treatment

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Our therapeutic armamentarium in RA keeps on growing. New studies and new molecules, new mechanisms of action or new ways of using old drugs are presented every year at conferences. But which are the ones who can have an impact on our practice? Here is my selection of 3 abstracts presented at EULAR 2026 that identify therapeutic strategies that are well worth keeping on our radar.

‘Strong’ treatment predictions in inflammatory myositis

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Presented at EULAR 2026 London, Brepocitinib dual TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor with successful Phase 3 VALOR trial demonstrating significant improvement in skin and muscle symptoms in dermatomyositis (DM).

Vasculitis Updates: Glucocorticoid use in AAV and GCA

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Glucocorticoids are the cornerstone of initial vasculitis treatment, used to rapidly control inflammation and protect vital organs. EULAR has recommendations that cover glucocorticoid use in ANCA associated vasculitides (AAV) and large vessel vasculitis, including giant cell arteritis (GCA).1,2 But the evidence base continues to grow about their use – especially over the long term.

Digital Platforms and AI

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EULAR works with the network of national organisations of People with Arthritis/Rheumatism in Europe (PARE) to ensure the voices of people with RMD are heard and have influence – creating powerful alliances that make a real difference. Artificial intelligence is another potential ally in that fight. At the EULAR 2026 Congress in London, work was presented from three PARE initiatives that showcase how digital tools can be used in treatment education and decision-making, and potentially avoid the use of general web searches to answer important questions.

Understanding Comorbidities in RMD

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People with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD) are at risk of a number of comorbidities, from cardiovascular diseases to cognitive impairment and fractures. The 2026 EULAR Congress showcased new data and ideas around various comorbidities and drug safety issues in people with an RMD – highlighting the need for integrated care. Here are five abstracts to consider.

Day 1 Report from EULAR 2026

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The first day of EULAR 2026 in London featured the opening ceremonies, a plenary session, posters nd the first round of major oral presentations to an audience of nearly 15,000 attendees. Here are a few of my favorites from the first day.

The pain that inflammation does not explain in SpA and PsA

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Clinicians often come across the scenario of a patient with well-controlled spondyloarthritis where the ASDAS in the low disease activity range, CRP normalised, joints clinically quiet. However, the patient returns to the clinic still reporting significant pain. Their rheumatologist adjusts the biological, waits, returns. The pain persists.

Beyond the Scale: Do GLP-1RAs Offer More Than Weight Loss in PsA?

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Over 70% of patients with PsA struggle with excess weight, amplifying synovio-entheseal inflammation and blunting biologic response. The rapid uptake of GLP-1RAs in rheumatology has raised an urgent mechanistic question: are clinical gains in PsA driven purely by weight reduction, or do these agents carry intrinsic anti-inflammatory properties? EULAR 2026 offered six abstracts that together illuminate, without fully resolving, this question.

Diet as a DMARD? The Evidence Is Still Hard to Swallow

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Dietary interventions are rarely taken as seriously as pharmacological therapies in rheumatology. Yet patients ask about them constantly, and an increasing number of studies suggest that nutrition may influence disease outcomes. Two randomized controlled trials presented at EULAR 2026 add to this growing literature in PsA and RA. However, before we start prescribing Mediterranean diets, the data deserve a closer look.

JAK Safety Debate Continues: Stronger VTE signal, less clear cancer signal

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Few topics in rheumatology have reshaped prescribing behaviour as dramatically as the safety concerns surrounding JAK inhibitors following ORAL Surveillance and the subsequent FDA and EMA warnings.

New Insights in Gout Clinical Management

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EULAR – The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – held its 2026 annual Congress in London, where gout was high on the agenda.

CAR-T Cell Therapies in Refractory RMD

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Current therapies for rheumatoid arthritis rely on sustained immunosuppression rather than restoration of immune tolerance, with off-drug remission remaining rare.

From Skepticism to Reconsideration: 4‑Year CAR‑T Outcomes in Lupus

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Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‑cell therapy, long established in hematologic malignancies, is now emerging as a transformative approach in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a disease historically managed with chronic immunosuppression.

Progress of biologics/targeted therapy in SLE

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We are in a transformative era in SLE which generates excitement to both physicians and people living with lupus. We now have four licensed biologics/targeted therapies (i.e., belimumab, voclosporin and obinutuzumab for active lupus nephritis, and belimumab and anifrolumab for active non-renal SLE). Moreover, many other agents with different mode of action and administration are in late phase trials. This article previews some data being presented at EULAR 2026 Congress in London.