Novartis & BMS CAR-T Cell Trials on Hold
Reuters and the Wall Street Journal report that both Novartis and Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) have paused their autoimmune disease CAR-
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Small series of 5 Idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) pts Rx w/ obinutuzumab for refractory myositis (2 antisynthetase syndr, 1 DM, 2 overlap myositis). 4/5 patients achieved complete response. Lung improved/stabilized in ILD patients. Two required second obinutuzumab cycle. https://t.co/0uW6xXQQ2S
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Secukinumab in Polymyalgia Rheumatica
PMR is a common disorder of the elderly that responds well to GC, but is plagued by an inability to wean off of GCs. The NEJM has published the results of the REPLENISH trial demonstrating that secukinumab (an interleukin-17A inhibitor) is https://t.co/ijkHKC7IWJ
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EUSTAR Registry - Cancer in Systemic Sclerosis
Cancer is a major cause of mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc). A nested case-control study within EUSTAR registry shows distinct patterns of cancer related temporally to SSc, serologic profiles and traditional cancer risk factors.
Cancers were
FDA Approves Brepocitinib to Treat Dermatomyositis
The FDA and Priovant recently annouced approval of brepocitinib (Lisraya), a JAK1/TYK2 inhibitor, for the indication of adults with dermatomyositis (DM). This is the first oral (once daily) agent approved for DM.
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Resolved HBV infx (HBsAg-neg/anti-HBc+) retrospective study of HBc seroclearance in 230 pts Rx w/ anti-CD20 mAb. anti-HBc seroclearance seen in 16.5% (assoc w/ Younger age, less CD20 Rx, MMF Rx). HBV reactivation seen 5/230 (2.2%), including two w/ HBc seroclearance. HBc https://t.co/T0gfxftOgu
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Glucocorticoids: Use vs.Toxicity
This review article addresses the recognition, prevention and management of GC toxicity in rheumatic patients. Despite guidelines and recommendations that GC be tapered, lowered or discontinued, they continue to be widely used with serious https://t.co/Tf8YkQ9iFB
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Per adult-onset IgA vasculitis guidelines, which agent is now preferred for refractory or relapsing disease?
Test your knowledge in this week's RheumIQ at https://t.co/TBlB4pmnKa. https://t.co/7tMcDkoCKH
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
NME: New Molecular Entities (8.28.2026)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal articles from this past week on RheumNow.com. Take this week's RheumIQ and test your knowledge!
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Secukinumab in Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common disorder of the elderly that responds well to glucocorticoids (GC), but is plagued by an inability to wean off of GCs.
Spyre Therapeutics topline results of its anti-TL1A Ab (SPY072) in RA (n 133) sub-study: Phase 2 SKYWAY 12wk trial showed 2 doses SPY072 were signif better vs PBO for ACR20 (63% & 58% vs 43%), ACR50 (31% &38% vs 19%), DAS28-CRP reductions (-1.5 & -1.9 vs -1.3). TL1A inhib are https://t.co/S6gapB21uq
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Insights into Sjögren’s Disease - A Rheum Survey
RheumNow recentlty surveyed rheumatologists about Sjogren’s disease (SjD) - how they approach diagnosis, treatment, and unique challenges; all important as new advances in SjD evolves.
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Brepocitinib Skin Outcomes in Patients With Dermatomyositis
A secondary analysis of the VALOR trial has shown that the TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor brepocitinib was effective at cutaneous disease activity outcomes, delivering rapid, clinically meaningful, and remission-level control of cutaneous dermatomyositis (DM).
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JAMA Review: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a chronic autonomic disorder affecting an estimated 0.1%–1% of the US population, with peak incidence at ages 13–29 and a striking 90% female predominance.
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Glucocorticoids: Use vs.Toxicity
This review article addresses the recognition, prevention and management of GC toxicity in rheumatic patients. Despite guidelines and recommendations that GC be tapered, lowered or discontinued, they continue to be widely used with serious https://t.co/rmjoYJzCLD
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Guidelines for Adult-Onset IgA Vasculitis
A EUVAS-sponsored expert panel of 37 specialists across rheumatology, nephrology, dermatology and pathology has published evidence-based guidelines for adult-onset IgA vasculitis (IgAV), which behaves very differently in adults compared to usually self-limited childhood form.
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Glucocorticoids: Use vs.Toxicity
This review article addresses the recognition, prevention and management of glucocorticoid toxicity in rheumatic patients.
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VA study of 4108 RA-ILD (2006-21). PRED use was 65-77%, A& 1st line Rx (MMF, AZA, RTX, CTX) incr after ILD, use was low (1.2-12%). MTX decr (47 to 30%), but LEF, TNFi, ABA incr. Predictors of ILD Rx: FVC, CCP+, ILD Dx after 2012. https://t.co/GT3Vwo11w1 https://t.co/KFDKsjkN0k
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
20 long-standing PsO pts (freq nai,scalp dz) (b/tsDMARD-naive) Rx w/ OL apremilast 30 bid x 6 mos. Enthesitis (MRI or HR-pQCT) stable, PsAMRIS stable; no new erosions, but PASI (11-->5) & TJC signif improved (3.2-->0.8) https://t.co/UjACvXyvKs https://t.co/xfQGcW0yz7
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Rheum Scholarship (8.21.2026)
Dr. Cush reviews the news and journal articles from this past week on RheumNow.com; talking about lumbar belts, scholarships and misdiagnosis.
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A Tribute to Thomas A. Medsger Jr., MD (1936–2026)
The rheumatology and scleroderma communities mourn the loss of Dr. Thomas A. Medsger Jr., who died August 15, 2026, in Pittsburgh, at age 89.
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Systematic review of targeted Rx for lupus nephritis during pregnancy (2000-25). HCQ & AZA are cornerstone good Rx. Acceptable: tacrolimus, ASA. MMF is TERATOGENIC-AVOID! Not Enuf data; Voclosporin, obinutuzumab, Anifrolumab https://t.co/otO9nMHHuO https://t.co/1hLysZLJnG
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Retrospective Medicare comparison 450 paired #PMR cohorts Rx w/ IL-6 inhib or csDMARDs. At 1 yr, IL-6i pts (vs csDMARD) had signif more GC D/C (adj HR 1.28) or minimal GC use (<3mg/d) (aHR 1.28). Hosp. infxn 2X higher in IL-6i (12.2 vs 5.7 per 100 PY) in year 1, but not year 2 https://t.co/YgqLjD9nvM
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Efgartigimod Efficacy in Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy
Today Argenx announced the results of their Phase 3 "ALKIVIA" study; demonstrating efficacy and safety of subcutaneous efgartigimod for Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy (IIM, AKA inflammatory myositis). https://t.co/TYP4KcdLoa
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Therapeutic Updates
Lupus Nephritis
Sponsored by RheumNow
View our six video perspectives on lupus nephritis, including Management of CKD in Lupus Nephritis.
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Recent Blogs
At first, it seemed similar to many other such sessions – a circle of folding chairs, a group of colleagues whose visages exuded understanding and acceptance – but this was special. I started the meeting…. “Hi, my name is Artie.”
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Dr. Jack Cush reviews Gout in this continuing series for Advanced Practice Rheum. Review the companion slide deck here.
Podcasts
Systemic Burden of Gout Part 1
Better Gout Management-
Gout Advice & Tips
