Most patients vaccinated with RZV while using UPA 15mg QD and background MTX achieved satisfactory humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) at Weeks 4, 16 and 60. Winthrop et al. evaluated the immunogenicity of RZV through Week 60 in patients with RA who were receiving UPA 15mg QD and background MTX.

This descriptive analysis indicates a long-term safety profile of UPA consistent with previous reports, further supporting long-term treatment of chronic diseases with UPA. Burmester at al. characterized the safety profile of UPA across multiple approved indications and offer insights into its long-term use to help inform clinical decision-making.

August 2025

Results from the Phase 3 GRAVTI study by Hart et al. showed that SC induction followed by SC maintenance treatment with guselkumab resulted in superior clinical and endoscopic improvements in participants with moderately to severely active CD through 48 weeks compared with placebo. Hart et al. evaluated efficacy and safety of guselkumab SC induction followed by SC maintenance in participants with moderately to severely active CD in a    treat-through design.

This study by Sobotkova et al. confirmed the similar efficacy and overall safety of biological treatment for psoriasis in older and younger adult patients. Authors compared a large cohort of older adults during the first year of biological treatment for psoriasis to younger adult patients with similar characteristics to advance knowledge about the biologic treatment of psoriasis in older patients.

This study by Mortato et al. enhanced the limited safety data on guselkumab in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who have clinically relevant infectious and oncological comorbidities as well as concomitant heart disease. Authors assessed clinical outcomes and safety of guselkumab in a large cohort of patients with concomitant chronic infection, cancer or heart disease over a long follow-up period, addressing critical gaps in clinical evidence.

Baraliakos et al. compared real-world effectiveness of upadacitinib, TNF inhibitors, or IL-17 inhibitors following inadequate response to an initial TNF inhibitor in patients with axSpA. Upadacitinib was associated with greater reductions in pain and fewer affected joints compared with switching to a second TNF inhibitor or IL-17 inhibitor.

In this nationwide observational study, ixekuzumab was mainly used in patients with axSpA and PsA who had previously failed multiple b/tsDMARDs, including other IL-17 inhibitors. Although prior IL-17 treatment was associated with increased risk of withdrawal in both groups, the relatively high retention rates and improvements in all disease outcomes suggest ixekizumab as a viable option for challenging patients with multiple b/tsDMARD failures.

UPA has shown effectiveness in treating IMIDs like RA, axSpA, PsA, CD, and UC. Chai et al. evaluated evidence from a synthesis of RCTs and provided insights that may guide clinical decision-making and improve treatment outcomes for IMIDs. UPA effectively alleviated symptoms, reduced disease activity, and showed notable benefits in improving quality of life.

July 2025

In this nationwide study of Swedish PsO and PsA patients treated with ustekinumab, etanercept, adalimumab, or secukinumab, spanning more than 10 years, the overall risk of MACE was low across treatment groups. There was no meaningful difference in risk of MACE between ustekinumab and the other treatments.

A randomized Phase II study of efmarodocokin alfa, an interleukin-22 agonist, versus vedolizumab in patients with ulcerative colitis

Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2025;23:1387–1397 doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2024.11.013

Danese et al. observed that efmarodocokin alfa did not demonstrate efficacy compared to the PBO, and this Phase II study ended early for futility; however, there was evidence of target engagement (skin AEs, regenerating islet derived protein 3-alpha).