Do You Zoster Vaccinate? (6.19.2026)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news, journal reports and best ways to review EULAR 2026.
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NK Cells Without a CAR: AB-101 Is Neither CAR-T nor CAR-NK
Much of the meeting came for the next CAR T readout. AB-101 drew attention for a different reason. It depletes B cells by a completely different route.
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Abstr LB0003
Off-the-shelf allogeneic NK cell therapy + rituximab in refractory RA, Sjögren disease, and systemic sclerosis. 31 patients. Outpatient administered.
RA at 6 months: 71% ACR50, mean CDAI change −36.8. SSc: 100% rCRISS25 response. SjD: 86% ClinESSDAI responders. https://t.co/60046jgYia
Antoni Chan MD (Prof) @synovialjoints( View Tweet )
Interesting data on the effect of AB-101 + RTX on refractory RA, SSc and SjD.
Curious about long term results and potential position in tx strategies
LB0006 @RheumNow #EULAR2026 https://t.co/opbh8yGmwO
Links:
sheila @RHEUMarampa( View Tweet )
CAR-T without the CAR-T risks?
AB-101, an off-the-shelf NK cell therapy + RTX, delivered in refractory RA, Sjögren, and SSc (n=31): RA ACR50 71%, SSc mRSS -9.5, SjD ClinESS DAI -8.6 at 6 mo. Outpatient delivery without CAR-T associated AEs? @RheumNow #EULAR2026 LB0003 https://t.co/xi6ZdLwHcN
Jiha Lee @JihaRheum( View Tweet )
#EULAR2026 LB0003 CAR-T is not scalable. In a Phase 2a of off-the-shelf AB-101 allogenic NK + low dose conditioning (Cyclo & Flud) + Rituximab: preliminary efficacy & safety profile in severe-refractory RA (N=15), SjD (11), SSc (5). Longer FU & Comparator is needed @RheumNow https://t.co/gQniufREQC
Links:
Md Yuzaiful Md Yusof @Yuz6Yusof( View Tweet )
Top 5 abst in #SjD
#anifrolumab +RCT
#ianalumab LTE Rx sustained
#telitatacept +LTE
#iana improves u/s parotids
#TYK2 sig in#SjD
OP0002, 0126, 127, 160 POS0284
#EULARbest #EULAR2026
@RheumNow @eular_org
Janet Pope @Janetbirdope( View Tweet )
#proof of #concept in #Sjogren’s #dis
#lanalumab Treatment reduced in #SjD
✅reduced B cells in #salivary #glands
—nearly complete depletion in serum
✅reduced B cell activation
✅improved #inflammation of
#parotid & #submandibular glands
@RheumNow #EULAR2026
#OP0163
#POS0284
Janet Pope @Janetbirdope( View Tweet )
OMRF study: Anti-Ro neg Sjögren’s patients share similar molecular profiling as anti-Ro positive pts: innate immune signaling, immune cell activation, inflammation, autophagy, apoptosis, and metabolic dysregulation pathways #EULAR2026 @RheumNow https://t.co/zJm6EbpyIB
TheDaoIndex @KDAO2011( View Tweet )
Digital Platforms and AI
2026 EULAR Press Release
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
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#EULAR2026 Please find my video interview with Prof Xavier Mariette, the presenting author of Abstract OP0126: Efficacy and Safety of Ianalumab in #Sjogren disease #SjD @RheumNow
https://t.co/NEyBOD6Qj2 https://t.co/Zn1fH6eu39
Links:
Md Yuzaiful Md Yusof @Yuz6Yusof( View Tweet )
#EULAR2026 OP028 In 16 patients with AID (SSc,IIM, RA, IgG4,SjD, Grave’s), CD3xBCMA BiTE, Teclistamab was effective in 15/16. Duration of GC & DMARD-free was 11 mths. 2/16 need retreatment. All had low IgG and needed IVIG. Need long-term safety data & comparative study @RheumNow https://t.co/97MUPnXRua
Md Yuzaiful Md Yusof @Yuz6Yusof( View Tweet )
#EULAR2026 OP0126 Long-term extension study up to 108 weeks: Ianalumab demonstrated sustained efficacy (change in ESSDAI) including those who switched from PBO to IAN in #Sjogren. IAN improved most domains apart from lungs, MSK & Haem - important to note @RheumNow #EULARBest https://t.co/x1d4G1s0jw
Links:
Md Yuzaiful Md Yusof @Yuz6Yusof( View Tweet )
#EULAR2025 OP0127 Still trying to get my head around the flat line PBO response. In Sjogren pts with ESSDAI=>5, a Phase 3 RCT of Telitacicept (BAFF/APRIL-i) in China met all endpoints. ESSPRI improved too! Could be because strict concom DMARD inc. GC protocol @RheumNow https://t.co/FEhXfNPvfG
Md Yuzaiful Md Yusof @Yuz6Yusof( View Tweet )
RepurpSS-II: Hydroxychloroquine plus Leflunomide in Sjögren's
A small pilot, phase 2b trial has shown that the combination of leflunomide and hydroxychloroquine (LEF+HCQ) was effective and safe in treating patients with active Sjögren's disease.
https://t.co/eeyhso0WJ6 https://t.co/ZGWOOtf92E
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Count Your Telangiectasias (5.29.2026)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news, journal articles and missed quiz questions.
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RepurpSS-II: Hydroxychloroquine plus Leflunomide in Sjögren's
A small pilot, phase 2b trial has shown that the combination of leflunomide and hydroxychloroquine (LEF+HCQ) was effective and safe in treating patients with active Sjögren's disease.
https://t.co/tyd1efUtca https://t.co/zcY7RyX8SZ
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
RepurpSS-II: Hydroxychloroquine plus Leflunomide in Sjögren's
A small, pilot, phase 2b trial has shown that the combination of leflunomide and hydroxychloroquine (LEF+HCQ) was effective and safe in treating patients with active Sjögren's disease.
Read Article
Chinese study of 371 pts w/ Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) - extrahepatic autoimmune diseases (EADs) seen in 24% -Sjogren’s & autoimmune thyroid dz (9% each). ANA+ independently assoc w/ EADs (OR 2) https://t.co/NVz8MWbJch https://t.co/tjCzaDcUFI
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Epidemiology of Dry Eye Autoimmune Disease
Rates upwards of 20% were seen across nine common autoimmune diseases other than Sjögren's, most often in rheumatoid arthritis (39.3%) with Crohn's disease bringing up the rear (23.0%), according to Chi-Chin Sun, MD, PhD, of Chang Gung https://t.co/Z8ZBGmqT93
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
A month ago the FDA Granted Breakthrough Designation to Ianalumab for Sjögren Disease . The drug targets BAFF and depletes B cells. Two recent positive RCTs (NEPTUNUS-1, NEPTUNUS-2). Novartis expects a regulatory decision in early 2026 https://t.co/PXVjGG1Cmd https://t.co/0s5livw1bg
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Epidemiology of Dry Eye Autoimmune Disease
Rates upwards of 20% were seen across nine common autoimmune diseases other than Sjögren's, most often in rheumatoid arthritis (39.3%) with Crohn's disease bringing up the rear (23.0%), according to Chi-Chin Sun, MD, PhD, of Chang Gung https://t.co/lnacSUlrI8
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Epidemiology of Dry Eye Autoimmune Disease
Dry eye rates upwards of 20% were seen across nine common autoimmune diseases other than Sjögren's, most often in rheumatoid arthritis (39.3%) with Crohn's disease bringing up the rear (23.0%), according to Chi-Chin Sun, MD, PhD, of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Keelung, Taiwan, and colleagues
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Prevention in Lupus and Therapeutic Evolution in Sjögren’s explores the proactive approach in autoimmune diseases, moving from theory to empirical evaluation. Recent discussions on incomplete lupus and the SMILE trial, along with advancements in Sjögren’s treatments, underscore https://t.co/KY9nHnpkxk
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Prevention in Lupus and Therapeutic Evolution in Sjögren’s
The notion of intervening in autoimmune disease prior to the onset of irreversible tissue damage has evolved beyond a theoretical framework; it is presently undergoing empirical evaluation. Recent discussions on incomplete lupus and the SMILE trial, alongside advances in Sjögren’s therapeutics,
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Sjögren’s Disease – What Are You Missing?
Sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
What could you be missing in Sjögren's disease? Explore hypothetical patient cases with atypical presentations, systemic manifestations, and overlooked symptoms. Gain expert insights and practical tips for clinical assessment from Dr Shereen Mahmood and learn how the ESSDAI can help you measure disease activity.
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Podcasts
ACR 2025 Daily Podcasts Day4b
