Anti-Rheumatic Rx

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. 

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.

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) today issued the following statement in response to the final Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) for calendar year 2027 (CY27) from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Infection remains an important threat to patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Mitigating this risk is a core duty of the rheumatologist—one that requires us to actively educate patients and advocate for timely vaccination strategies. This article reviews important highlights on

An international study reports 60% progression-free survival at 10 years after autologous bone marrow transplantation, adding important evidence on sustained positive clinical outcomes and long-term safety in patients treated for early severe systemic sclerosis.

A current review of seronegative RA (SNRA) by D’Onofrio, et al in npj Autoimmunity shows the diverse fate of seronegative RA - which can resolve, persist or become refractory. Clearly dedicated trials of SNRA are needed to better predict.

A significant proportion of patients with rheumatologic disease are of reproductive age, therefore, navigating reproductive health is now widely recognized as a fundamental component of modern rheumatology care. 

Sun Pharmaceuticals announced Friday that the FDA has approved its IL-23 inhibitor, tildrakizumab  (Ilumya) for use in patients with active psoriatic arthritis. This agent is already FDA approved for plaque psoriasis, and joins guselkumab and risankizumab as the third IL-23 inhibitor