Novel Rx

purpura

Guidelines for Adult-Onset IgA Vasculitis

Jack Cush, MD

Know-it-now

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JAK inhibitor Drug Market size (worldwide) was valued at $ 5.51 Billion in 2024 & is estimated to reach $ 19.81 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 13.66% from 2026-2033. https://t.co/1Krd1TeKv1 https://t.co/k0hx7iXTvn

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Registry Data Shows Liver Risk With Avacopan

MedPage Today

A new study may add fuel to the fire already burning around avacopan (Tavneos), approved in 2021 to treat anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), which the FDA wants drugmaker Amgen to pull from the U.S. market.

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steroid prednisone lab

Glucocorticoids: Use vs.Toxicity

Jack Cush, MD

This review article addresses the recognition, prevention and management of glucocorticoid toxicity in rheumatic patients.

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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/9tgAM8YVh1
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Tom.Medsger

A Tribute to Thomas A. Medsger Jr., MD (1936–2026)

Jack Cush, MD

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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RHEUMATOLOGIST Survey Q> For Sjogrens disease, what therapy do you most commonly use? Click here: https://t.co/XJEsqoSlbn https://t.co/FvlOqwl2aD

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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

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EU Finalizes Tavneos Withdrawal - The European Commission has officially revoked the marketing authorization for Tavneos (avacopan), finalizing a process that began with regulators flagging the drug's pivotal trial data as "incorrect and misleading." The EC issued its legally https://t.co/jgysiV1hyX

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 )
Fever,temp,man,HA,thermometer

Misdiagnosis of Still's Disease

Jack Cush, MD

High fever, strange rashes, scary labs often lead to a consideration of Still's disease (AOSD or systemic JIA). Yet the dramatic onset of a systemic disorder may overlap with another, and possibly as rare, systemic disorder that should not be misdiagnosed or mistreated. A current case review by

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Efgartigimod Efficacy in Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy

Jack Cush, MD

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).

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3 SLE pts w/ Bx class III/IV LN had Lg proteinuria flares (4.6–13.4 g/d) despite MMF plus belimumab & were given voclosporin (+MMF) w/ rapid, sustained proteinuria reduced (≤0.7 g/day w/in 9–12 mos) & stable/improved eGFR, & GC tapering. Creat increases Rx w/ dose adjustments https://t.co/38lcD8DPgn
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POETYK PsA-1: Deucravacitinib in Biologic-Naïve PsA POETYK PsA-1 trial tested the disease modifying efficacy of deucravacitinib, a tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor, in PsA patients and was shown to be superior vs to placebo for clinical responses, patient-reported outcomes, https://t.co/6ptGmzCoQ9
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New, Advanced Therapies in Gout https://t.co/7i6936H7ZS https://t.co/8oOzqVKLGF

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Doubting RS3PE (8.14.2026)

Jack Cush, MD

Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal articles this week where RheumNow featured info on cancer, deadly viruses, AI rules, poetry and good moons rising.

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Survey: Upgrading & Maximizing the Classics (Urate Lowering Therapies, etc) https://t.co/w6uzIlaeG7 https://t.co/HW09DVrMed

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ZEUS Trial: IL-6 Inhibition Fails to Cut Cardiovascular Events

Jack Cush, MD

The phase 3 ZEUS trial (published in JAMA Dec. 2025)  tested the IL-6 ligand inhibitor ziltivekimab in over 6,000 patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and elevated hsCRP—a population enriched for an inflammatory driver of risk.

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POETYK PsA-1: Deucravacitinib in Biologic-Naïve PsA POETYK PsA-1 trial tested the disease modifying efficacy of deucravacitinib, a tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor, in PsA patients and was shown to be superior vs to placebo for clinical responses, patient-reported outcomes, https://t.co/VjwpCVKPz0
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Simple infographic on the MOA of deucravacitinib (Sotyktu). https://t.co/fXbxMAzvAE https://t.co/6IvA0Xz3m2

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Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
MoonLake announced positive phase 3 data from its IZAR-1 RCT using its dual A/F IL-17 inhibitor sonelokimab, showing significant responses at week 16: 66% ACR20, 42% ACR50, 41% minimal disease activity (MDA), & 61% PASI90 at week 16. a 2nd IZAR-2 PsA RCT is in progress https://t.co/eX0cxekRKG
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
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What's New in Lyme Disease

Jack Cush, MD

JAMA has published an overview of new considerations on Lyme disease, focusing on Diagnostics, Vaccines, and Prevention.

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Eosinophil

Rethinking Treatment of EGPA

Jack Cush, MD

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) has long been managed by extrapolating results from microscopic polyangiitis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis clinical trials. But new insights into EGPA's has lead to advances in therapy and new treatment paradigms.

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New, Advanced Therapies in Gout New, Advanced Therapies in Gout explores the rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape beyond conventional urate-lowering therapy. https://t.co/0uNK0nOEp6 https://t.co/YD7tQu2QrT

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Dan.Kastner

A Tribute to Daniel L. Kastner, MD, PhD (1951–2026)

Jack Cush, MD

The rheumatology, genetics and NIH communities mourn for Dr. Daniel L. Kastner, who died on July 28, 2026, in Bethesda, Maryland, at age 74. The following are declarations, tributes, and memories dedicated to this mensch of a man, titan of science, memorable mentor and humble physician.

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Therapeutic Updates

Fundamentals of CAR T Cell Therapy and Its Investigational Use in Autoimmune Diseases

Sponsored By Bristol Myers Squibb
BMS RX Update July 2026
Learn more about the fundamentals of CAR T-cell therapy and its investigational use in autoimmune disease
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Recent Blogs

Advanced Practice Rheum

Safety of Biologics and Novel Agents

Jack Cush, MD
APR Safety Video Cover
Dr. Jack Cush reviews safety of biologics and novel agents.
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Advanced Practice Rheum

Difficult to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

Jack Cush, MD
D2T RA Cover
Dr. Cush addresses the management of difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis (D2TRA).
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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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