MRI as a novel biomarker in lupus
The clinical abstract sessions on diagnostic tools in lupus showcased interesting studies, including the use of MRI as potential non-invasive biomarkers.
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#EULAR2026 OP0220 How can we improve physical function of #SLE patients? Cross-sectional study of 2 US cohorts: poor physical function was associated with Fatigue, depression, learned helplessness and perceived stress. We should focus on improving fatigue & wellbeing @RheumNow https://t.co/vAFqYyuzgN
Md Yuzaiful Md Yusof @Yuz6Yusof( View Tweet )
From Skepticism to Reconsideration: 4‑Year CAR‑T Outcomes in Lupus
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‑cell therapy, long established in hematologic malignancies, is now emerging as a transformative approach in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a disease historically managed https://t.co/Dmmw90XnuF
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Progress of biologics/targeted therapy in SLE
We are in a transformative era for SLE, for clinicians and patients. Four targeted therapies are now licensed: belimumab (nephritis and non‑renal), voclosporin and obinutuzumab (nephritis), and anifrolumab (non‑renal). Many agents https://t.co/BuFCmj1hQd
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
DR JOHN STONE gives Overview
Of
#IgG4
New non B cell depleter
#obexelimab N=194 in RCT
To add to B cell depletion w
#Inebilizumab
Off label but used also
#Rituximab
#steroids
#Immunesuppressives
Other investigational drugs
Ex #JAKi
#EULAR2026 @RheumNow
#OP018 #RULARbest https://t.co/Y4saGYcdww
Links:
Janet Pope @Janetbirdope( View Tweet )
Good news! #Survival in #SLE is improving
#SLR of #lupus publications over time in 233 publications
Bad news - still a mortality gap!
#EULAR2026
@RheumNow @eular_org
ABST#POS0684 https://t.co/PVmQI2duYS
Janet Pope @Janetbirdope( View Tweet )
Sustained remission in #SLE at 5 yrs w CAR-T
8 severe SLE patients treated with
autologous CD19-CAR T cells
(Zorpocel; Miltenyi Biomedicine)
#antiDNA and #SLEDAI #antiSm ➡️prolonged suppression
Big ? - how long will it work for
Impressive!
@RheumNow #EULAR2026
#EULARbest #729 https://t.co/8iOSImX3w6
Janet Pope @Janetbirdope( View Tweet )
Defining the TRM- SLE patient response.
Patient eligibility would be the key
#EULAR2026 @RheumNow https://t.co/5CzQYgc12K
Links:
Bella Mehta @bella_mehta( View Tweet )
Treatment for #lupus #brain #fog?!
#small #RCT of Memantine a N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NDAR) antagonist used in #Alzheimers
SLE-more permeability in #brain #SLE -antiDNA cross reacting w NDAR
#memantine N=19 v #PBO N=25 showed more improvemt
#EULAR2026 @RheumNow POS701 https://t.co/qvHOy9oDS7
Janet Pope @Janetbirdope( View Tweet )
#EULAR2026 POS0079 Phase I study of “Off-the-Shelf” CD19 CAR-T FT819 in N=13 #SLE pts with/-out LN reported favourable efficacy and safety particularly with Bendamustine conditioning. Advantages: scalable and requires minimal or no conditioning. Will move on to Phase II @RheumNow https://t.co/2rt646Qf0T
Md Yuzaiful Md Yusof @Yuz6Yusof( View Tweet )
ClearMEMory: Ph2 RCT evaluating memantine for tx of cognitive impairment in SLE using RBANS as outcome measure
MEM grp had sig. higher change in RBANS TIScore upto wk 12 vs. PBO, esp. immediate memory index score
Potential adjunct tx for NPSLE?
AbsPOS0701 @RheumNow #EULAR2026 https://t.co/UffdVPRu6s
sheila @RHEUMarampa( View Tweet )
@RheumNow WIN Nutrition session at #EULAR2026 (3)
6.🍟 High UPF intake → increased RA risk (HR 1.06/SD), partly mediated by CRP. Not all NOVA-4 foods are equal
7.💊 Vit D supplementation significantly reduces SLE disease activity — MA of 10 RCTs, SMD −0.54 (p<0.00001).
@RheumNow
Nelly ZIADE 🍀 @Nellziade( View Tweet )
WIN Nutrition session at #EULAR2026 (2)
🐟 n-3 PUFAs reduce RA risk by 9–10% per SD increase — especially in genetically high-risk individuals.
🫒 Mediterranean diet reduces RA risk by 25% (HR 0.75) & SLE risk by 39% (HR 0.61) in UK Biobank studies.
@RheumNow
Nelly ZIADE 🍀 @Nellziade( 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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Prof. Wittmann discusses the current tx for CLE using a stepwise approach.
Smoking is a challenge in D2T skin #lupus due to data showing that smoking reduces efficacy of antimalarials & worsens dse act & damage.
Advocate for smoking cessation!
@Rheumnow #EULAR2026 https://t.co/pEWLJAkBAJ
Links:
sheila @RHEUMarampa( View Tweet )
#EULAR2026 POS0729 Longer-term data of autologous CD19 CAR-T appear favourable in #SLE. 4-year data of the initial 8 patients treated at Erlangen remained in GC- and IS-free remission. Infection profile declined over time apart from some blips during COVID pandemic @RheumNow https://t.co/QZMxA2CK33
Md Yuzaiful Md Yusof @Yuz6Yusof( View Tweet )
#EULAR2026 OP022 We need to think beyond proteinuria to assess activity & response in #lupusnephritis. ReBioLup study showed 67% of patients with persistent histologic activity at 12 months (NIH=>4) still met criteria for complete clinical response @RheumNow https://t.co/bRFNrNLjJX
Md Yuzaiful Md Yusof @Yuz6Yusof( View Tweet )
Brand new #MOA in #Rx of #skin #lupus!
#Litifilimab - acts on #dendritic cells
⬇️decreases
#chemokines & #cytokines
+RCT in #cutaneous features of lupus
N=93
2:1 randomized #liti v #pbo
Rapid onset <4wks
HIgh #CLASI response
#EULARbest #EULAR226 @RheumNow @eular_org POS438 https://t.co/TXqggO1jCU
Links:
Janet Pope @Janetbirdope( View Tweet )
#OP0225 at #EULAR2026: In this nationwide French cohort, patients with IMIDs had nearly 2x risk of HPV-related cancers or severe dysplasia versus matched controls. Risk was particularly increased in SLE, reinforcing the importance of HPV vaccination and screening. @RheumNow
Mrinalini Dey @DrMiniDey( View Tweet )
#EULAR2026 OP0228 Is there “something in the air?” Data from US Market Scan: poor quality index was associated with increased risk of #SLE. Although causal inference cannot be deduced, seems an important environmental factor. To check air quality assoc with UV index @RheumNow https://t.co/1FOw7RDA9a
Md Yuzaiful Md Yusof @Yuz6Yusof( View Tweet )
Which ‘CAR’ to drive in #SLE?
Comparison of #CD19 #CAR-T
#allogenic vs #Autologous
➡️ comparing #molecular #responses from 2 #lupus studies N=12
Both improved cytokine signatures
For
#IFN & #neutrophils
Results similar not identical
?either
#POS0678 #EULAR2026 @RheumNow https://t.co/Lcpv3qJ6tU
Links:
Janet Pope @Janetbirdope( View Tweet )
#OP0224 at #EULAR2026: Poor air quality may contribute to lupus risk. In a cohort of 8.3 million people, higher AQI exposure and more unhealthy air quality days were associated with increased incident SLE. Adds to evidence linking environmental exposures & autoimmunity. @RheumNow
Mrinalini Dey @DrMiniDey( View Tweet )
#OP0219 at #EULAR2026: Real-world ASTER data suggest DORIS remission & LLDAS are achievable with anifrolumab in routine practice, assoc w ⬇️risk of organ damage accrual. Over 12m, 43% attained DORIS remission & 74% LLDAS. Low serious adverse event rates reported. @RheumNow
Mrinalini Dey @DrMiniDey( View Tweet )
#EULAR2026 OP0216 With the advances in biologics/cell-based therapies in #SLE, we need to define “severe refractory.” Data-driven analysis from 13 nations suggested: SLEDAI≥6 + PGA>1 + mild-moderate or severe flare (MMSf) + GC≥10 +IS. Need validation study before use @RheumNow https://t.co/K2dMSQUIgB
Md Yuzaiful Md Yusof @Yuz6Yusof( View Tweet )
#OP006 - Urine proteomics in LN tracks histo activity & treatment response better than proteinuria.
Paired biopsies linked active disease to IFNI, IL12, complement & neut pathways- normalised in responders but persisted in non-responders.
@RheumNow #EULAR2026 #EULARBest #Plenary
Mrinalini Dey @DrMiniDey( View Tweet )
Therapeutic Updates
Expert insights on the 2024 ACR Guideline recommendations for lupus nephritis
Sponsored by Aurinia
Two experts in lupus care offer a balanced perspective on applying the updated ACR Guideline recommendations and the clinical nuances of managing lupus nephritis.
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Recent Blogs
Dr. Cush provides a systematic approach to evaluating musculoskeletal and rheumatic complaints in clinical practice.
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Podcasts
ACR 2025 Daily Podcasts Day4a-
ACR 2025 Daily Podcasts Day3b
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ACR 2025 Daily Podcasts Day2b
