Lupus

What did you miss at RheumNow Live 2026? Our Poster Hall features new data across: • Psoriatic Arthritis • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus • Lupus Nephritis • Vasculitis • Polymyalgia Rheumatica • Axial Spondyloarthritis From Phase III trials to real-world evidence, these https://t.co/tp0Uncga7E
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
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 )
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Early vs Delayed Belimumab in Lupus

Jack Cush, MD

An economic evaluation of early vs delayed use of the Blys inhibitor, belimumab (BEL), in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has shown both cost effectiveness and clinical utility of early BEL initiation in active lupus patients.

While most would advocate for using your best therapy

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Referral Rules to Live By (2.20.2026)

Jack Cush, MD

Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from this past week on RheumNow.com. Highlights include referral rules, combination biiologics in psoriasis and don't use JAK inhibitors in pregnancy.

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What did you miss at RheumNow Live 2026? Our Poster Hall features new data across: • Psoriatic Arthritis • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus • Lupus Nephritis • Vasculitis • Polymyalgia Rheumatica • Axial Spondyloarthritis From Phase III trials to real-world evidence, these

Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )

Olsen RNL26

Prevention in Lupus and Therapeutic Evolution in Sjögren’s

Audrey Gibson, PA-C

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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Genentech announced results of Phase III, MAJESTY OL study of obinutuzumab vs tacrolimus in 142 pts w/ primary membranous nephropathy & found signif more complete remissions at 2 yrs in obintuzumab Rx pts. Obintuzumab (Gazyva) if FDA approved for lupus nephritis. https://t.co/maJbvUCkBe
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
RT @ericdeinMD #RNL26 Arthroplasty risks in RMD AxSpA - Respiratory complications (OR 1.7), PNA (2.2) SLE - complications ass w/ severity/activity. Renal failure, PE, sepsis, stroke, mortality depending on activity PsA - complications related to co-morbidities, not PsA https://t.co/jr0hwh3CPe
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
RT @ericdeinMD #RNL26 @RheumNow Uzma Haque GLP1 on pts with  SLE and diabetes Retrospective study - major improvements in MACE HR 0.66 VTE HR 0.49 Renal progession HR 0.77 Mortality HR 0.26 A major tool for rheumatic care! https://t.co/qR3HKfsugZ
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
RT @Gibson_RheumPAC Drug-induced SCLE remains an important mimic in biologic-treated patients. Compared with idiopathic SCLE, drug-induced disease is often more widespread and may resolve with antibody normalization after withdrawal.#RNL26 https://t.co/ICOzg3Tz4L
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Haque and Goodman

Obesity, Surgery, and Optimizing Patient Care

Eric Dein, MD

Rheumatologic care involves multidisciplinary approaches and collaboration with specialties to treat complex, systemic diseases. While many Pods at RheumNow Live are disease specific, the Pod II focused on Advancing Practice on important and emerging areas affecting rheumatologic patients. This

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Dr. Fleischman on lupus dz activity including SLEDAI, which you can use on practice. But not for practice are SLE-DAS, BILAG, BICLA, SRI-4, DORIS @RWCSmtg #RWCS26 https://t.co/7sOaE7SMht
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
REcently published SMILE study looked at the potential of HCQ (vs PBO) to prevent SLE in at risk people. Had to be ANA+ and 1-2 SLICC criteria at entry. Can you Prevent SLE? Dr. David Karp lecturing at UTSW @drdavidkarp @utswrheum https://t.co/s4Mzoec5ga
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Factors that may augment future development of SLE - includes Vitamin D levels, poor sleep, EBV reactivation & social determinants of health. Can you Prevent SLE? Dr. David Karp lecturing at UTSW @drdavidkarp @utswrheum https://t.co/2J1JBjeXKU
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
FDA has announced "Breakthrough Designation" for 3 drugs + 1 test being developed: ** Biogen: litifilimab (targets dendritic cells) for cutaneous lupus ** Novartis: Ianalumab (BAFF blockade) for Sjogrens ** J&J: Nipocaiimab (FcRn) for Sjogrens ** Encarta: pocket Lyme test https://t.co/RMKg14rejq
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
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ANA Pollution (2.06.2026)

Jack Cush, MD

Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news, journal articles and regulatory news from this past week on RheumNow.com

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FDA sent a complete response letter to AstraZeneca on their application (BLA) for anifrolumabs (Saphnelo) subcutaneous use in SLE. Despite a positive TULIP-SC trial & EU approval of SC-anifrolumab, FDA & sponsor still have to work things out. CRL reasons are unknown https://t.co/3dNwEyolrj
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
NEXT STEPS: Karp and investigators are engaged in the MONA LISA study - Using smile Data and biospeciments – they intend to look for biomarkers that may better predict the future development of SLE Dr. David Karp lecturing at UTSW @drdavidkarp @utswrheum https://t.co/acZD1kmNhq
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
The challenge may be that lupus has multiple endotypes with variable rates of progression/trajectories. Can you Prevent SLE? Dr. David Karp lecturing at UTSW @drdavidkarp @utswrheum https://t.co/BA4KRKebIv
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
SMILE enrollment hampered by COVID - yet failed to show a protective effect for HCQ in preventing SLE. Can you Prevent SLE? Dr. David Karp lecturing at UTSW @drdavidkarp @utswrheum https://t.co/GImHpycbgO
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
REcently published SMILE study looked at the potential of HCQ (vs PBO) to prevent SLE in at risk people. Had to be ANA+ and 1-2 SLICC criteria at entry. Can you Prevent SLE? Dr. David Karp lecturing at UTSW @drdavidkarp @utswrheum https://t.co/4FY0kOLdRT
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Factors that may augment future development of SLE - includes Vitamin D levels, poor sleep, EBV reactivation & social determinants of health. Can you Prevent SLE? Dr. David Karp lecturing at UTSW @drdavidkarp @utswrheum https://t.co/e3TKATcxXB
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Only a subset of incomplete lupus (ILE) will progress to SLE - betw 1 in 10 and 1 in 5. Can you Prevent SLE? Dr. David Karp lecturing at UTSW @drdavidkarp @utswrheum https://t.co/oo40Dumk4I
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Can you Prevent SLE? Dr. David Karp lecturing at UTSW Showing that autoantibodies exist long before the onset of SLE @drdavidkarp @utswrheum https://t.co/zPAYbSlIBS
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
FDA has announced "Breakthrough Designation" for 3 drugs + 1 test being developed: ** Biogen: litifilimab (targets dendritic cells) for cutaneous lupus ** Novartis: Ianalumab (BAFF blockade) for Sjogrens ** J&J: Nipocaiimab (FcRn) for Sjogrens ** Encarta: pocket Lyme test https://t.co/zODOTWyqP8
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )

Therapeutic Updates

Navigating the Path to SLE Remission

AZ RX Update
Watch rheumatologists Dr Anca Askanase and Dr Cristina Arriens discuss their clinical perspectives on how to target and achieve DORIS remission in clinical practice.
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Recent Blogs

Advanced Practice Rheum

Evaluation of Rheumatic Complaints

Jack Cush, MD
Eval of Rheum Complaints Cover Image
Dr. Cush provides a systematic approach to evaluating musculoskeletal and rheumatic complaints in clinical practice.
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rheumthought

CNS Lupus (NPSLE)

Jack Cush, MD
Cush RhTh CNS
29 yr. old woman with SLE and transverse myelitis. Is this NPSLE; how to diagnose?
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Hydroxychloroquine for Everyone

Jack Cush, MD
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Nearly 25 years ago, while lecturing on best therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), I loudly stated that hydroxychloroquine was “useless” and, deservedly, I was “boo-ed” off stage. My point then was that rheumatologists needed to be aggressive, if not overly aggressive, in treating all RA patients. And my view was that HCQ was representative of under-treatment. I have reconsidered the use of HCQ in RA substantially in the last few years, based on its merit.
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