Heutz et al. found that patients requiring bDMARDs rarely achieved DMARD-free remission, while 15–37% of those on non-bDMARDs reached this milestone, underscoring significant differences based on treatment type. This suggests the EULAR recommendation against DMARD cessation may be too generalised.

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November 2024

Tsai et al. observed no significant difference in the incidence of psoriatic arthritis among psoriasis patients treated with IL-23 inhibitors compared to IL-12/23 inhibitors, although there was a numerically lower PsA risk with IL-23 inhibitors. Results indicate both therapies are similarly effective for PsO management.

Alarfaj et al. demonstrate fenofibrate significantly improved clinical outcomes, inflammatory biomarkers, and quality of life in patients with mild-to-moderate UC when added to mesalamine therapy.

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Mease et al. conducted a post-hoc analysis of the phase 3 DISCOVER-2 trial to assess the persistence of clinically relevant improvements with guselkumab in biologic-naïve patients with PsA. The analysis showed that guselkumab maintained clinical improvements in joint and skin domains at consecutive dosing visits (Q8W) and over time.

Baraliakos et al. assessed the long-term efficacy and safety of upadacitinib in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis who were refractory to biologic therapy. At week 104, the treatment sustained improvements in disease activity and functional outcomes with low rates of radiographic progression and no new safety signals.

Poddubnyy et al. analysed five clinical trials to evaluate extra-musculoskeletal manifestations (EMMs) like uveitis, IBD, and psoriasis in patients treated with UPA. They observed low incidences across PsA, r-axSpA, and nr-axSpA. Numerically, uveitis rates were lower in
UPA-treated patients than in those receiving placebo, particularly in r-axSpA.

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Barriers to CAR T-cell therapy in rheumatology

Lancet Rheumatol 2024 doi: 10.1016/S2665-9913(24)00240-6

Lungova et al. explored the potential of CAR T-cell therapy in autoimmune conditions such as SLE, myopathies, and systemic sclerosis. While clinical cases show promise, adoption is limited by high costs, narrow patient eligibility, and safety concerns, including cytokine release syndrome. Future targeted CAR T-cell approaches may enhance efficacy and safety.

Haraoui et al. conducted a subgroup analysis of the CANTORAL study, showing that tofacitinib effectiveness was similar in patients with or without CV risk enrichment. However, AEs, particularly in older patients (≥65 years), were more frequent in the CV+ cohort. These findings highlight the need for tailored CV risk management when treating RA with tofacitinib.

Baricitinib as monotherapy for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: analysis of real-world data

Current Medical Research and Opinion 2024;40:1993–2002 doi: 10.1080/03007995.2024.2416979.

Edwards et al. report on real-world data for baricitinib monotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis, showing significant disease activity reduction across multiple registries and observational studies. These findings reinforce the viability of baricitinib monotherapy in clinical practice for RA patients, complementing existing guidelines.

Choy et al. investigated the efficacy and safety of intensified versus standard infliximab dosing for steroid-refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC). The study found that a first dose of 10mg/kg infliximab was not superior to the standard 5mg/kg dose in achieving clinical response by Day 7. Earlier responses were noted with dose intensification, but no significant differences were observed in remission, colectomy rates, or safety profiles by Month 3.

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