Predictors of Response in Lupus
A systematic review suggests that traditional measures (serologies and disease activity) are superior to biomarkers in predicting response to biologics in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.
Long-Term Bimekizumab Safety Data
MedPage Today
Adverse effects from bimekizumab through 2 years or more of treatment for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) were about as expected from shorter-term data, results from long-term extension studies indicated.
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SOLSTICE: phase 3b RCT of IL-23i, guselkumab vs PBO in 451 active PsA pts (GUS q4wk vs q8wk vs PBO). @wk 24 GUS signif better than PBO-ACR20 (59%/62% vs 35%), ACR50 (31%/32% vs 12%), ACR70 (17%/17% vs 2%), PASI 90 (49%/45% vs 12%), MDA (19%/24% vs 5%) ction) https://t.co/QDMCnGdN6J
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
FDA Approves Icotrokinra for Plaque Psoriasis
Today the FDA approved an oral IL-23 inhibitor, icotrokinra (Icotyde), for use in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults and children 12 years of age and older (who weigh at least 40 kg) who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.
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FDA has accepted the supplemental biologics license application for use of interleukin-23 inhibitor tildrakizumab (Ilumya; Sun Pharma) in active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults. https://t.co/cwqz9DoWsL https://t.co/fN8pbWtmfT
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Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Poets Know It (3.13.2026)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news, regulatory decisions and new journal articles.
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Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
2025 Update: EULAR Recommendations on Rheumatoid Arthritis Management
The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) has updated their rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management recommendations, notably with fewer recommendations (total of 9, down from 11 in 2022 version), by merging and removing previous recommendations.
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Worldwide Trends in Hyperuricemia
A Lancet Rheumatology systematic review shows the prevalence of hyperuricaemia has risen markedly over the past two decades in both men and women, owing to population growth, aging, and increasing age-specific rates
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Basic, full-read overview of "JAK inhibitors: risks and safety principles" from the Pharmaceutical Journal. Addresses MOA, indications, warnings, monitoring, adverse effects, interactions, Serious AEs, vaccination and best practices. https://t.co/6kZCde1NdF https://t.co/NlEKtvUGPa
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Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
The Role of Calcineurin Inhibitors in Lupus Nephritis
In the U.S, lupus nephritis affects approximately 40–50% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), contributing significantly to the morbidity and mortality of the affected individuals (1). However, significant https://t.co/sc4cgAYzGy
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Data from the KEEPsAKE 1 trial in bio-naive patients with PsA Dr. Wells and Dr. Singla share 5-year safety and efficacy data of an IL–23 inhibitor and their thoughts on using it to manage PsA. Sponsored by AbbVie Medical Affairs + Health Impact. https://t.co/xoPdYAof7m https://t.co/ycqMod2qLN
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Basic, full-read overview of "JAK inhibitors: risks and safety principles" from the Pharmaceutical Journal. Addresses MOA, indications, warnings, monitoring, adverse effects, interactions, Serious AEs, vaccination and best practices. https://t.co/qrqeu1CzRg https://t.co/7qIszLwUrf
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
TYK2 Inhibitor Deucravacitinib FDA Approved for Psoriatic Arthritis
On Friday, March 6th, the FDA approved deucravacitinib (Sotyktu) for the treatment of adults with active PsA based on the results of the pivotal Phase 3 POETYK PsA-1 and POETYK PsA-2 clinical trials. https://t.co/a6rmortnoS
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NEJM: Obinutuzumab in Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
A phase 3 trial of obinutuzumab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, showed potent B-cell depletion and clinical efficacy active systemic lupus erythematosus without evidence of nephritis.
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Long-Term Hydroxychloroquine Retinopathy Risk
MedPage Today
About one in 18 patients taking hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for 15 years develop retinal damage, a new meta-analysis indicated.
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Update on FDA complete response letter to AZ regarding BLA hold for anifrolumab (Saphnelo) for SC use in SLE. CRL originally issued 10/10/25, but announced 2/3/26. FDA CRL cites critical data quality w/ key analyses in SC-TULIP study. A BLA decision expected in 1st half of 2026 https://t.co/zuwtsdL6I9
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Osteoporosis: Thinking outside the box
Osteoporosis care keeps evolving. We have newer agents, newer sequencing strategies, and an increasing number of patients asking for “less medicinal” options that go beyond a prescription.
https://t.co/1mGIrx8tm5 https://t.co/QVjeIwXESr
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Physician Assistant Workforce Grew 28% in USA (2020 To 2024), reaching 189,188 PAs; increased in every state (lease in Alaska 10%, most in SCarolina 48%,(to 2,984 in 2024). In 2024, there were 55.6 PAs/100,000 population https://t.co/VdXP3aM3ga https://t.co/qin2zfuUZe
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TYK2 Inhibitor Deucravacitinib FDA Approved for Psoriatic Arthritis
On Friday, March 6th, the FDA approved deucravacitinib (Sotyktu) for the treatment of adults with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) based on the results of the pivotal Phase 3 POETYK PsA-1 and POETYK PsA-2 clinical trials. Deucravacitinib, an oral selective tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2)
FDA has approved deucravacitinib (Sotyktu) the Treatment of Adults with Active Psoriatic Arthritis based on the results of the pivotal Phase 3 POETYK PsA-1 and POETYK PsA-2 clinical trials. Sotyktu is the only tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor to be approved for PsA https://t.co/8xBrgPfENH
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UBER Rheumatology Ride (3.6.2026)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from this week on RheumNow.com
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Open-label experience with upadacitinib in 27 Behcets pts (median 36 yrs) w/ median BDCAF 4 (2–7). At 6 mos overall response seen in 23/27 (85%) (16 CRs, 7 PRs) w/ signif reductions in BDCAF, CRP, ESR, & steroid dose by week 24. 3 pts relapsed during F/U https://t.co/VXkskVyWgT
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FDA has granted Fast Track designation to J&Js nipocalimab for use in #SLE based on the results of a Phase 2b JASMINE study in which nipocalimab demonstrated reduction in lupus disease activity and potential for steroid sparing https://t.co/puQN6ecScj https://t.co/au422eamLR
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Progress in GCA and Takayasu's Arteritis
Despite carefully planned taper schedules, about 75% of GCA patients remain on glucocorticoids after 4 years, and 74% experience side effects. In rheumatology, prolonged steroid use often leads to expected toxicity. https://t.co/l65ER5rGU8
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
B cell Targeted CAR-T Therapy for Autoimmune Diseases
EurekAlert!
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has emerged as a transformative approach in modern medicine, demonstrating remarkable efficacy in targeting pathogenic B-cell lineages with unprecedented specificity. Originally developed for B cell malignancies, this innovative immunotherapy
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I recently overheard a very good practicing rheumatologist complain, “why do I need yet another drug for psoriatic arthritis? I have more treatment choices than I have actual PsA patients who need a new or better drug”.
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Until the publication of the SEAM trial, evidence in the medical literature for the efficacy of the most commonly used drug for psoriatic arthritis worldwide, methotrexate, has been lukewarm at best. Yet we all employ it commonly, either as monotherapy or in combination with biologic or targeted synthetic DMARD treatment. It is inexpensive and widely available, and only modestly toxic.
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With their publication in June 2022 (1), the 3rd iteration of the Group for Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) Treatment recommendations for Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) may have set a record or sorts.
