News
Interpreting CAR-T safety: lessons from zola-cel so far
While there is plenty to watch this ACR in the maturing CAR-T space, one of the big global stories in the second half of 2026 has been about zola-cel and the pause in the Breakfree program.
Lupus CVD: Beyond the Lipid Panel
Innate immune dysregulation drives premature atherosclerosis in SLE, and it explains much of the cardiovascular risk that Framingham factors and medications do not. The main driver is a self-amplifying loop between type I interferon (IFN) and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs).
When you don’t use anti-fibrotics in RA-ILD
In the management of RA-ILD, we are in a curious situation where we have become polarised in two different directions: aggressive treatment of all patients with combination therapies of biologic agents and anti-fibrotic drugs, or a “wait and see” approach. It is in this setting that the results of Abstract 0448 piqued my interest.
EGPA Treatment: A new Era with the E-MERGE trial?
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is the rarest of the ANCA-associated vasculitides. Compared to GPA and MPA, EGPA carries a mechanistically unique pathophysiology involving eosinophil-mediated inflammation.
The shifting sands of glucocorticoid use in SLE
Despite the rapid development of emerging therapies for SLE, glucocorticoids remain an important component of disease management. "How well do our current corticosteroid prescribing habits align with current treatment guidelines?" On day 1 of the SLE poster sessions, several abstracts have demonstrated notable trends in glucocorticoid utilization.
The Weight of Evidence
Every rheumatologist knows this patient. Her ASDAS is 3.4. Her CRP is normal, her MRI is quiet, and she is on her third biologic. The reflex is to reach for a fourth. Abstracts from ACR Convergence 2026 make a quietly radical case against this reflex.
The PsA Weight-Loss Treatment Gap: Are We Missing the Bigger Picture?
Among the groundbreaking clinical trials and new treatment strategies, one of the most important stories may be about something we aren't doing enough of: addressing obesity and cardiometabolic risk in our patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
ACR Research Highlights Pediatric Treatment Gaps, Criteria Performance, and Early Promise of CAR T-Cell Therapy
ACR Press Release
New research presented at ACR Convergence 2026 examines pediatric patient’s symptoms and potential therapies that can assist children and adolescents with symptom control, as research, medication and therapies are currently limited.
ACR 2026 – Big Pharma Brings Its Biggest Readouts to Orlando
ACR Convergence 2026 runs November 6–11 in Orlando, and the major companies will be presenting their highlight trials this week. Phase 3 results in Sjögren's and gout headline the late-breaking orals, while plenaries feature a head-to-head PsA trial and lupus nephritis biopsy data.
ACR 2026 – Biotech and Mid-Size Companies Bet on Novel Mechanisms
ACR Convergence 2026 is crowded with first-in-class mechanisms: an oral IL-23 receptor peptide, FcRn blockade, a JAK head-to-head and a wave of cell depletion therapies. Top abstracts include (all times ET):
Argenx
3 x IL-23 = IL do Better (11.6.2026)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the FDA approvals and news reports from this past week on RheumNow.com. This week we discuss playing the numbers in rheumatology, playing the long game with stem cell transplants, and a=the Positive spin on seronegative RA.
Ode to Our Editor: Honoring Dr. Jack Cush
For someone who has spent so much of his career recognizing the work of others, it is fitting that Dr. John J. “Jack” Cush should have his own moment in the spotlight.
ACR Responds to Final Medicare Payment Rule from CMS
ACR
