Who gives a ‘JAK’ why and how they work, as long as they do!

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Several abstracts have studied the mechanism of action of JAK inhibitors (JAKi) in various diseases. JAKi alter many other mediators affected by the JAK STAT pathway. For instance, T cell signature in blood that is proliferative was associated with a response in RA.

Issues in AxSpA: Treatment Intensification, Pregnancy

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A lot of interesting studies will be presented at the poster sessions on Sunday, November 12 and some of them address practical real-world issues such as treatment intensification and the impact of pregnancy on axSpA imaging. 

The Fallacy of Biologic Treatment to Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis

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The window of opportunity concept in RA shifted our focus to trying to treat disease earlier and more aggressively to improve long term outcomes. A natural development of this was to reconsider the possibility of therapeutic interventions aimed at the prevention of rheumatoid arthritis.

Bimekizumab is Coming… in Third Place

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Of the many exciting advancements for patients with psoriatic arthritis at ACR Convergence, one upcoming therapy stood out: the dual IL-17A/F inhibitor bimekizumab. Nearly two dozen bimekizumab abstracts will be featured at this year’s meeting and it recently received authorization in Europe and the U.S. for psoriasis. That makes this the year I plan to figure out where this drug will be useful for my patients with PsA. 

Pulmonary Manifestations of Rheumatic Disease in Asymptomatic Patients

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In clinical practice, pulmonary manifestations of rheumatic medical diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and peripheral spondyloarthritis (pSpA) are typically not screened for upon diagnosis of a rheumatic disease in patients without any signs or symptoms suggest

Glucocorticoids-free zone in SLE?

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For over 70 years, glucocorticoids, (GC) have been a part of standard therapy in SLE. They are classically used to not only induce remission or treat an acute flare, but also as maintenance therapy. They are a valuable 'friend' if used wisely, and can become a 'foe' if used excessively.

Pregnancy Updates That Will Change The Way I Practice

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ACR Convergence is truly drinking from the proverbial fire hose. It’s a beautiful mash-up of basic science and treatment updates meets guidelines, recommendations, and disease identification.

Towards Personalised Care in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Since the millennium, we have seen an expansion in the number of advanced treatments both biologic and targeted synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs for rheumatoid arthritis. The challenge remains on how best to characterise the subtypes of RA in order to choose the best drug to ensure optimal outcome for patients. 

Obintuzumab in Lupus Nephritis

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In a post hoc analysis of the phase 2 NOBILITY trial, researchers found that treatment with obinutuzumab—an antibody that targets a protein expressed on certain immune cells—was superior to placebo for preserving kidney function and preventing flares in patients with lupus nephritis, a kidney con

ACR Convergence Preview (11.10.2023)

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews this past week's news on RheumNow.com and suggests a learning plan for those wanting to consume the upcoming ACR Convergence 2023 meeting. 

Rheumatoid Synovium Characterized by Six Cell Type Phenotypes

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Research work from the Accelerating Medicines Partnership (AMP: RA/SLE) Network, was published in Nature and more specifically characterizes RA synovium into several cell-type abundance phenotypes (CTAPs). Could CTAPs known disease features or more effective future therapies? 

Arthritis Increased Amongst US Veterans

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A recent CDC reports estimates that in 2019–2021, 21% of U.S. adults (53.2 million) have physician diagnosed arthritis. Now, an updated report shows a larger number (~33%) of U.S. veterans having diagnosed arthritis. Compared to nonveterans, this prevalence was double in men, and 60% higher in women.