Generic Tofacitinib (6.26.2026) Save

Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal articles from RheumNow.com. Updates on tofacitinib, CAR-T therapy and AI.

1. "When you make the choice to avoid becoming the most experienced person in a room (whatever room you’re in), you’re making a bet about the future. " - Seth Godin https://t.co/oWtDNWeoND
2. Breckenridge Pharmaceutical received FDA approval for their generic version of tofacitinib on 6/4/26. 5 mg and 10 mg tablets are now available in the U.S. market, for both adult and pediatric use. Tofacitinib Tablets are manufactured in Martorelles, Spain. https://t.co/oAh0KQSFgs
3. #TB Infection or reactivation is Psoriasis or Psoriatic Arthritis pts taking IL-23 inhibitors is rare, rare. Literature review showed 34 studies of IL-23i in PsO had no new TB, but 1 case of LTBI reactivation. In 8 IL-23i PsA studies there were NO new TB or LTBI reactivations https://t.co/NFIap7DSOr
4. NEJM on anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy in B cell lymphoma - 38 pts w/ refractory NHL (24 lg B-cell, 1414 follicular lymphoma) Rx w/ CTL019. 10-yr survival = 32% w/ large B-cell & 47w/ follicular lymphoma; Persistent neutropenia 5%, & 2nd primary cancer seen in 21%. B-cell aplasia persisted in 44% of long-term responders. https://buff.ly/Dnk6hyV
5. Up to 80% of Brucellosis has MSK Sxs (half in the spine/SI). CDC reports in the USA 2010–2024 1,796 confirmed and probable cases - 61% reported travel (80% Intl travel). Most exposures consumed unpasteurized dairy products or undercooked meat 73%], 62% had animal contact and 40% https://t.co/Njpf71jwKd
6. 4-week, proof-of-concept, PBO-controlled RCT Rx 30 Depression pts w/ either PBO or tocilizumab. No improvement by day 14, but over time TCZ pts improved depressive Sxs & severity, fatigue, anxiety, & QOL. Remission seen in 54% vs 31%, favoring TCZ. https://t.co/FpdZJikf8C
7. Steroids in SpA? DBRPCT of 94 (nonPsA) SpA pts w/ peripheral arthritis (SJC ≥ 2) placebo or steroids (GC) (csDMARDs background allowed). 76% male, age 32 yrs, TJC 10, SJC 3.6. Wk 24 there was no signif diff betw groups for ACR 50, ACR70 or PSpARC outcomes. https://t.co/snJovW31Uk
8. Chinese study of 341 RA pts, half managed post D/C w/ nurse led AI interactive platform vs usual care. @ 6 mos AI platform group had signif better outcomes - DAS28 (-0.77 vs -0.27), HAQ functional status, medication adherence (90 vs 80%), and pt satisfaction (96 vs 76%) https://t.co/SrDgUuAWB3
9. Korean insurance claims study of 50 600 adults w/ newly dx #RA - Persistent low-income significantly increased mortality risk, especially if RA <65 yrs or rural residence; Sustained high-income status provided a protective effect across all age group https://t.co/OIhvz489Ar
10. Systematic review of live virus MMR in #JIA had 9 studies (743 pts) showing no flares, good safety & immunogenicity in short term, BUT incomplete or less durable protection in biologic-treated patients, especially for measles & rubella. 5-yrs post MMR, seroprotection was lower if https://t.co/JQhL9o1O4e
11. Type 2 diabetes pts taking semaglutide have a 15% lower risk of fractures. Endocrine society abstract EHR study of 26K SEM vs controls. Previous studies have linked rapid weight loss to a greater risk of fractures https://t.co/7nRYST5fPX
12. Retrospective study of 116 BL KOA (Kellgren–Lawrence I–II) pts rx w/ three PRP injx (n 58) or NSAIDs +/- IAhyaluronic acid (n 58). After 5 yrs there was no signif. difference in VAS, WOMAC, and SF-36, with both groups worsening. https://t.co/KDSMTvEl59
13. JAMA Review on Low Back Pain
14. No Fetal Risks with First Trimester NSAID Use
15. Where are we with Biomarkers in Rheumatoid Arthritis?