Impact of filgotinib on sacroiliac joint magnetic resonance imaging structural lesions at 12 weeks in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (TORTUGA trial)

It was observed that filgotinib significantly decreased the SPARCC SI joint erosion and decreased the backfill. Structural changes occurred within the first 12 weeks of treatment, correlating with a reduction in inflammation.

The significant changes in MRI structural lesions induced by filgotinib in the SI joint by week 12 demonstrated that tissue repair can be observed very soon after starting treatment with a JAK1 preferential inhibitor. Therefore, it was confirmed that the filgotinib was associated with MRI structural benefits in patients with AS.