What’s New PsA? (4.3.2026)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and major articles from this week, including FDA safety warnings, reports from AAD, PsA trials.
News
Update on Primary CNS Angiitis
The Journal of Neurology has posted a review and update of Primary CNS vasculitis (PCNSV), also termed primary angiitis of the CNS (PACNS). PCNSV is rare, potentially fatal, and highly treatable, making timely recognition and accurate diagnosis critical.
FDA Safety Warning: Avacopan and Serious Liver Injury
Yesterday the FDA issued a Drug Safety Communication alerting patients and health care professionals about postmarketing identification of serious (drug induced) liver injury, including fatal cases, associated with the use of avacopan (Tavneos) in patients with ANCA- associated vasculitis.
Review: Rheumatoid Arthritis–Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
RA-ILD represents the most severe extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis, affecting an estimated 1% of the adult population in the US and Northern Europe.
Ixekizumab With Tirzepatide Efficacy in Obese Psoriatic Arthritis
The TOGETHER-PsA trial has demonstrated the efficacy and safety of ixekizumab (IXE) administered with tirzepatide (TZP) in adult active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients who were overweight or obese.
TENS Efficacy in Fibromyalgia
A randomized clinical trial of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in fibromyalgia showed meaningful improvement in pain for 6 months when combined with physical therapy (PT).
Brepocitinib in Dermatomyositis
The NEJM reports that brepocitinib, an oral TYK2–JAK1 inhibitor, was studied in a phase 3 trial of refractory dermatomyositis (DM) patients and shown to have significant benefits at the higher dose.
AFFINITY Study - Combination Biologic Therapy in Psoriatic Arthritis
A pilot trial assessed the efficacy and safety of the guselkumab+golimumab (COMBO) combination versus guselkumab (GUS) monotherapy in active PsA (failing a prior tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi-IR) and showed superiority in ACR 50 responses but not minimal di
Moral Distress (3.27.2026)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the journal reports and news from RheumNow.com. This week we discuss moral distress, FM in PsA, Lyme Vax is back & hidden but tangible benefits of the MDHAQ.
NEJM: Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Drs. Dejaco and Matteson have published and update and review of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) in the NEJM. They lay out the initial approach to diagnosis, initial steroid dosing, management over time and when to use steroid sparing therapy.
Systemic Treatments for Chronic Plaque Psoriasis
JAMA Dermatology has published a review of the pharmacologic landscape on managing adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
Spotty Medicare Coverage for Newer Rheumatoid Arthritis Meds
MedPage Today
