Beginning with the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort (CATCH) we explore non-articular pain in patients with early RA and discuss how the findings could support a link between disease activity and non-articular pain, as well as confirm the need to intervene. Staying in early RA, we then discuss the two-year data PRAIRI trial data and what they demonstrated in terms of the impact of rituximab on the quality of life of patients with pre-RA. 

In our late-breaking abstract coverage, we spoke with Prof. Denis Poddubnyy from Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin to discuss key data from EULAR 2024 on axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). We first explored the open-label extension results of the phase 3 BE MOBILE 2 study (NCT04436640), which assessed bimekizumab's impact on 2-year radiographic progression in the spine of patients with radiographic axSpA. Hypothesized to offer superior inhibition of bone formation due to its dual action on IL-17A and IL-17B, bimekizumab's findings were compared with other treatments like ixekizumab, upadacitinib, secukinumab, and certolizumab pegol, highlighting implications for clinical practice. Additionally, we examined a recent study by Berg et al., which compared remote monitoring and patient-triggered monitoring to traditional face-to-face consultations. The discussion focuses on how these findings could influence daily practice, patient outcomes, and healthcare resource management.

International guidelines emphasize achieving remission or low disease activity in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) through a treat-to-target approach. Despite this, choosing the optimal first or second-line treatment remains challenging due to limited comparative data. The Treat-to-Target in Axial Spondyloarthritis (AScalate) trial (NCT03906136) aimed to assess the efficacy of the IL-17 inhibitor secukinumab as a first-line treatment versus standard care. At EULAR 2024, Prof. Denis Poddubnyy presented the study results, offering insights into the trial’s rationale, design, and key findings. This interview explores these aspects and discusses their implications for clinical practice.

To understand what sets izokibep apart from other IL-17 inhibitors and its potential for treating PsA, we spoke with one of the study's investigators, Prof. Peter Taylor. Prof. Taylor discusses the study's findings, focusing on its efficacy and tolerability, and explores what these results could mean for clinical practice. With several IL-17 inhibitors already approved or in development for PsA, we also examine how izokibep could fit into the current treatment paradigm. Additionally, we discuss the importance of ongoing research to fully determine izokibep's benefit/risk ratio and optimal dosage