Sjögren's Graduates (8.22.2025)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news, journal reports, FDA approvals, drug safety, and more from this week.
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Telitacicept, a BLyS (BAFF)/APRIL dual-target fusion drug, announced it has met the primary endpoint in its Phase III clinical trial in treating primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) in China. Primary endpoint was the change in ESSDAI score at Week 24. https://t.co/afOgpGLdV1 https://t.co/9EKbbrCgTL
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
It's now called Sjögren Disease!
Sjögren syndrome is now Sjögren disease, according to recommendations stemming from the 2023 International Rome consensus for the nomenclature of Sjögren disease.
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Teaching You How to Think… (8.15.2025)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news, journal reports and press clippings from the past week on RheumNow. Positive results in a Sjogren's trial, to PT or not to PT, and aphorisms to live by.
https://t.co/2MhzjNCUEW https://t.co/Mt9iEAYKsK
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Teaching You How to Think… (8.15.2025)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news, journal reports and press clippings from the past week on RheumNow. Positive results in a Sjogren's trial, to PT or not to PT, and aphorisms to live by.
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Novartis announced top line results of its ianalumab (VAY736;B cell inhibitor) in primary Sjögren’s dz. 2 RCTs, NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2, met met primary endpoints w/ statistically significant improvements in disease activity in Sjögren’s patients. https://t.co/cIBhF3YJh3 https://t.co/YRTq6LEFhm
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Inefficiencies of ANA Testing
The Journal of Rheumatology has published an analysis of antinuclear antibody (ANA) multiplex testing showing its nonspecific utility and poor rate of return in identifying ANA-associated autoimmune rheumatic disease (ARDs).
SSB, > SSA, Abs are signif associated w/ abnormal DLCO (AUC 0.791) in Sjogrens syndrome, esp in assoc. w/ LIP- lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis. These findings more likely in quadruple positive Sjogrens w/ RF/ANA/SSA/SSB positivity. https://t.co/s6IyRzfXiN https://t.co/rKDBovTOpl
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
SSB, > SSA, Abs are signif associated w/ abnormal DLCO (AUC 0.791) in Sjogrens syndrome, esp in assoc. w/ LIP- lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis. These findings more likely in quadruple positive Sjogrens w/ RF/ANA/SSA/SSB positivity. https://t.co/s6IyRzfXiN https://t.co/J3bMowsrUQ
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Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Promising role of Fc neonatal receptor blockade in autoimmune rheumatic diseases
During the Late-Breaking Abstract session at EULAR 2024, we learned about a novel mechanism of action therapy, nipocalimab in Sjogren’s disease (SjD).
https://t.co/5bjyaqTqSN https://t.co/i4mGMYfyNK
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Promising role of Fc neonatal receptor blockade in autoimmune rheumatic diseases
During EULAR 2024, we learned about a novel mechanism of action therapy, nipocalimab in Sjogren’s disease (SjD). This is an anti-neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) mAb that reduces circulating IgG, including autoantibodies, by selectively blocking the interaction of IgG with FcRn. A year on at EULAR
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#EULAR2025 Abstr#OP0041 FcRn-inhibition is showing consistency in #Sjogren. Last year it was Nipocalimab. This proof-of-concept study showed efgartigimod met its primary endpoint, the CRESS response. No difference in ESSPRI. Phase 3 UNITY is underway @RheumNow https://t.co/jw1i4FqkIh
Md Yuzaiful Md Yusof @Yuz6Yusof( View Tweet )
#EULAR2025 Abstr#OP0265 Do we have convenient biomarkers to help predict new ANA+ referral who would progress to #SLE #Sjogren at 12 mths? Proteomics analysis identified IFN and B-cell markers. Validation is needed and to incorporate clinical items into prognostic model @RheumNow https://t.co/TWClLTKQ0b
Md Yuzaiful Md Yusof @Yuz6Yusof( View Tweet )
RepurpSS-II RCT (n=46): LEF + HCQ significantly improved systemic disease activity (ESSDAI -4.13) vs PBO in primary #Sjögrens.
⭐️🌱STAR/CRESS response rates also favoured active treatment.
Safe, accessible, affordable option for active disease.
@RheumNow #EULAR2025 #LB0005
Mrinalini Dey @DrMiniDey( View Tweet )
#EULAR2025 Abstr#LB0005 Phase IIb RCT in moderate #Sjogren reported significant reduction in ESSDAI at WK24 from BL in HCQ-Leflunomide vs PBO. CRESS & STAR improved. No significant difference in UWS, Schirmer, & ESSPRI. Future work: cohort of high symptom burden @RheumNow
Md Yuzaiful Md Yusof @Yuz6Yusof( View Tweet )
#EULAR2025 Abstr#POS0677 I will be at Poster Area today (1530). Single centre (N=23): Rituximab vs Cyclophosphamide for #Sjogren-Neuropathy. No superiority but clinical response was more complete & longer retention numerically favouring RTX. Support trial of BCDT in SjD @RheumNow https://t.co/87e6yFMRkk
Md Yuzaiful Md Yusof @Yuz6Yusof( View Tweet )
🔺CTD-ILD radiological signs to look out for 👀
#CTD #ILD #UIP #NSIP #Fibrosis #scleroderma #systemicsclerosis #Sjogrens #Lupus
By @IlliasulK https://t.co/hHupTz0bCy
Dr Gurdeep S Dulay @gurdeep_dulay( View Tweet )
Infusion/injxn-reactions (IRRs) w/ biologics studied in 1,832 RA pts - IRRs seen in 9.7% & were signif more common w/ being younger (OR1.79), secondary Sjögren's (OR 2.17), prior leflunomide (OR 1.5); but less common w/ Abatacept (OR 0.26) & tocilizumab (OR 0.42), golimumab (OR https://t.co/IaHajITWri
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Lessons Learned from a Lupus Registry: Two sides of one coin?
I want to talk about a large Canadian registry that sometimes doesn't get as much airtime. Our group is called CaNIOS: Canadian Network for Improved Outcomes in SLE. We've enrolled more than a thousand patients, seen at least annually and some for many years. These patients are incident or
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Diabetes Prevention with Hydroxychloroquine in Sjogren’s
A Taiwanese insurance claims analysis looked at HCQ use in primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) and showed that HCQ exposure significantly reduces the risk of new onset diabetes in pSS. Conversely, higher doses of https://t.co/GS07GVp5pC
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Rheumatology: Believe It or Not (4/25/2025)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from the past week on RheumNow.com. Should we believe the reviews and metanalyses?
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Diabetes Prevention with Hydroxychloroquine in Sjogren’s
A Taiwanese insurance claims analysis looked at hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) use in primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) and showed that HCQ exposure significantly reduces the risk of new onset
Sjogrens is a hot area in drug development: “Sjogren’s Syndrome Pipeline Insight 2025” report provides comprehensive insights about 20+ companies and 22+ pipeline drugs, including:
nipocalimab
VAY736 (ianalumab)
HZN-1116
AMG 329
R-2487 https://t.co/sVbyPLi2Um https://t.co/IlvthM7qyG
Links:
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Cancer Survival with TNF Inhibitors (3.28.2025)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from this past week on RheumNow.com
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ERA, APPs, & Alpha GAL (3.21.2025)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from this past week on RheumNow.com. Listen in for 2 new case questions - Ask Cush Anything.
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