Rheumatoid Arthritis

Key clinical point: Curcumin consumption for 8 weeks as a part of an integrated approach could help modulate metabolic factors, inflammation, and adiposity in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Major finding: After 8 weeks, insulin resistance, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and triglycerides improved significantly in the curcumin supplementation vs. placebo group (all P < .05). Moreover, curcumin supplementation significantly decreased mean weight, body mass index, and waist circumference by 0.45% (P < .001), 0.57% (P = .003), and 0.23% (P = .008), respectively, vs. no significant changes observed in placebo group.

Study details: The findings come from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial including 44 women with RA randomly assigned to either curcumin supplementation (500 mg/day; n = 22) or placebo (n = 22) for 8 weeks.

Disclosures: This study was supported by Research Vice-Chancellor and Nutrition Research Center of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Pourhabibi-Zarandi F et al. Effects of curcumin supplementation on metabolic parameters, inflammatory factors and obesity values in women with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2022 (Feb 17). Doi: 10.1002/ptr.7422

Key clinical point: Curcumin consumption for 8 weeks as a part of an integrated approach could help modulate metabolic factors, inflammation, and adiposity in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Major finding: After 8 weeks, insulin resistance, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and triglycerides improved significantly in the curcumin supplementation vs. placebo group (all P < .05). Moreover, curcumin supplementation significantly decreased mean weight, body mass index, and waist circumference by 0.45% (P < .001), 0.57% (P = .003), and 0.23% (P = .008), respectively, vs. no significant changes observed in placebo group.

Study details: The findings come from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial including 44 women with RA randomly assigned to either curcumin supplementation (500 mg/day; n = 22) or placebo (n = 22) for 8 weeks.

Disclosures: This study was supported by Research Vice-Chancellor and Nutrition Research Center of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Pourhabibi-Zarandi F et al. Effects of curcumin supplementation on metabolic parameters, inflammatory factors and obesity values in women with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2022 (Feb 17). Doi: 10.1002/ptr.7422

Key clinical point: Curcumin consumption for 8 weeks as a part of an integrated approach could help modulate metabolic factors, inflammation, and adiposity in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Major finding: After 8 weeks, insulin resistance, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and triglycerides improved significantly in the curcumin supplementation vs. placebo group (all P < .05). Moreover, curcumin supplementation significantly decreased mean weight, body mass index, and waist circumference by 0.45% (P < .001), 0.57% (P = .003), and 0.23% (P = .008), respectively, vs. no significant changes observed in placebo group.

Study details: The findings come from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial including 44 women with RA randomly assigned to either curcumin supplementation (500 mg/day; n = 22) or placebo (n = 22) for 8 weeks.

Disclosures: This study was supported by Research Vice-Chancellor and Nutrition Research Center of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Pourhabibi-Zarandi F et al. Effects of curcumin supplementation on metabolic parameters, inflammatory factors and obesity values in women with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2022 (Feb 17). Doi: 10.1002/ptr.7422

Key clinical point: Fostamatinib use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was not associated with an overall increased risk of developing neoplasms compared with placebo. However, prolonged use may raise the risk for malignant neoplasms.

Major finding: Fostamatinib vs. placebo was not associated with an increased risk for total neoplasms (Peto odds ratio [OR] 2.62; 95% CI 0.97-7.10), malignant neoplasms (Peto OR 3.08; 95% CI 0.96-9.91), or benign neoplasms (Peto OR 1.71; 95% CI 0.26-11.36). However, long-term fostamatinib treatment vs. placebo was associated with a higher risk for malignant neoplasms at 52 weeks (Peto OR 4.49; 95% CI 1.03-19.60).

Study details: This was a meta-analysis of seven trials including 4,971 patients with RA treated with fostamatinib.

Disclosures: This study was supported by Post-doctoral Research and Development Fund of West China Hospital of Sichuan University and others. The authors declared no conflict of interests.

Source: Chan Y et al. Neoplasm risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with fostamatinib: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:768980 (Mar 2). Doi: 10.3389/fphar.2022.768980

Key clinical point: Fostamatinib use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was not associated with an overall increased risk of developing neoplasms compared with placebo. However, prolonged use may raise the risk for malignant neoplasms.

Major finding: Fostamatinib vs. placebo was not associated with an increased risk for total neoplasms (Peto odds ratio [OR] 2.62; 95% CI 0.97-7.10), malignant neoplasms (Peto OR 3.08; 95% CI 0.96-9.91), or benign neoplasms (Peto OR 1.71; 95% CI 0.26-11.36). However, long-term fostamatinib treatment vs. placebo was associated with a higher risk for malignant neoplasms at 52 weeks (Peto OR 4.49; 95% CI 1.03-19.60).

Study details: This was a meta-analysis of seven trials including 4,971 patients with RA treated with fostamatinib.

Disclosures: This study was supported by Post-doctoral Research and Development Fund of West China Hospital of Sichuan University and others. The authors declared no conflict of interests.

Source: Chan Y et al. Neoplasm risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with fostamatinib: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:768980 (Mar 2). Doi: 10.3389/fphar.2022.768980

Key clinical point: Fostamatinib use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was not associated with an overall increased risk of developing neoplasms compared with placebo. However, prolonged use may raise the risk for malignant neoplasms.

Major finding: Fostamatinib vs. placebo was not associated with an increased risk for total neoplasms (Peto odds ratio [OR] 2.62; 95% CI 0.97-7.10), malignant neoplasms (Peto OR 3.08; 95% CI 0.96-9.91), or benign neoplasms (Peto OR 1.71; 95% CI 0.26-11.36). However, long-term fostamatinib treatment vs. placebo was associated with a higher risk for malignant neoplasms at 52 weeks (Peto OR 4.49; 95% CI 1.03-19.60).

Study details: This was a meta-analysis of seven trials including 4,971 patients with RA treated with fostamatinib.

Disclosures: This study was supported by Post-doctoral Research and Development Fund of West China Hospital of Sichuan University and others. The authors declared no conflict of interests.

Source: Chan Y et al. Neoplasm risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with fostamatinib: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:768980 (Mar 2). Doi: 10.3389/fphar.2022.768980

Key clinical point: Higher intake of coffee and decaffeinated coffee was associated with a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Major finding: Each additional cup of coffee and decaffeinated coffee consumed per day increased the risk of developing RA by 6% (relative risk [RR] 1.06; 95% CI 1.02-1.10) and 11% (RR 1.11; 95% CI 1.05-1.18), respectively. However, no such association was observed between consumption of caffeinated coffee, caffeine, or tea and risk for RA.

Study details: This was a dose-response meta-analysis of five prospective cohort studies involving 266,985 participants.

Disclosures: No information on funding was reported. The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest.

Source: Asoudeh F et al. Caffeine, coffee, tea and risk of rheumatoid arthritis: Systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Front Nutr. 2022;9:822557 (Feb 10). Doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.822557

Key clinical point: Higher intake of coffee and decaffeinated coffee was associated with a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Major finding: Each additional cup of coffee and decaffeinated coffee consumed per day increased the risk of developing RA by 6% (relative risk [RR] 1.06; 95% CI 1.02-1.10) and 11% (RR 1.11; 95% CI 1.05-1.18), respectively. However, no such association was observed between consumption of caffeinated coffee, caffeine, or tea and risk for RA.

Study details: This was a dose-response meta-analysis of five prospective cohort studies involving 266,985 participants.

Disclosures: No information on funding was reported. The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest.

Source: Asoudeh F et al. Caffeine, coffee, tea and risk of rheumatoid arthritis: Systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Front Nutr. 2022;9:822557 (Feb 10). Doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.822557

Key clinical point: Higher intake of coffee and decaffeinated coffee was associated with a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Major finding: Each additional cup of coffee and decaffeinated coffee consumed per day increased the risk of developing RA by 6% (relative risk [RR] 1.06; 95% CI 1.02-1.10) and 11% (RR 1.11; 95% CI 1.05-1.18), respectively. However, no such association was observed between consumption of caffeinated coffee, caffeine, or tea and risk for RA.

Study details: This was a dose-response meta-analysis of five prospective cohort studies involving 266,985 participants.

Disclosures: No information on funding was reported. The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest.

Source: Asoudeh F et al. Caffeine, coffee, tea and risk of rheumatoid arthritis: Systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Front Nutr. 2022;9:822557 (Feb 10). Doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.822557

Key clinical point: Modern management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) led to a larger proportion of patients achieving remission with fewer corticosteroids and more biologics over a 7-year follow-up period.

Major finding: Twice as many patients with RA were in remission at 7-year follow-up vs. at 1 year. Patients achieving remission at 7 years were more likely to be using biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) and conventional DMARD (P = .02), whereas corticosteroids (P = .02) at higher doses (P = .013) were mostly prescribed to patients not achieving remission at 7 years.

Study details: The data come from a retrospective study of 215 patients with RA whose clinical and biological data were analyzed at 1 year (2009) and 7 years (2015).

Disclosures: The authors declared no source of funding or conflicts of interest.

Source: Larid G et al. Increased remission with fewer corticosteroids and more biologics in rheumatoid arthritis at 7-year follow-up in real-life conditions. Sci Rep. 2022;12:2563 (Feb 15). Doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-06584-y

Key clinical point: Modern management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) led to a larger proportion of patients achieving remission with fewer corticosteroids and more biologics over a 7-year follow-up period.

Major finding: Twice as many patients with RA were in remission at 7-year follow-up vs. at 1 year. Patients achieving remission at 7 years were more likely to be using biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) and conventional DMARD (P = .02), whereas corticosteroids (P = .02) at higher doses (P = .013) were mostly prescribed to patients not achieving remission at 7 years.

Study details: The data come from a retrospective study of 215 patients with RA whose clinical and biological data were analyzed at 1 year (2009) and 7 years (2015).

Disclosures: The authors declared no source of funding or conflicts of interest.

Source: Larid G et al. Increased remission with fewer corticosteroids and more biologics in rheumatoid arthritis at 7-year follow-up in real-life conditions. Sci Rep. 2022;12:2563 (Feb 15). Doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-06584-y

Key clinical point: Modern management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) led to a larger proportion of patients achieving remission with fewer corticosteroids and more biologics over a 7-year follow-up period.

Major finding: Twice as many patients with RA were in remission at 7-year follow-up vs. at 1 year. Patients achieving remission at 7 years were more likely to be using biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) and conventional DMARD (P = .02), whereas corticosteroids (P = .02) at higher doses (P = .013) were mostly prescribed to patients not achieving remission at 7 years.

Study details: The data come from a retrospective study of 215 patients with RA whose clinical and biological data were analyzed at 1 year (2009) and 7 years (2015).

Disclosures: The authors declared no source of funding or conflicts of interest.

Source: Larid G et al. Increased remission with fewer corticosteroids and more biologics in rheumatoid arthritis at 7-year follow-up in real-life conditions. Sci Rep. 2022;12:2563 (Feb 15). Doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-06584-y

Key clinical point: A 2-week methotrexate withdrawal after each dose of Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine may improve anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunogenicity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with low disease activity (LDA) or remission. However, this may increase flare rates, thereby requiring close surveillance of disease activity.

Major finding: At 6 weeks after the second vaccine dose, patients who withheld vs. maintained methotrexate after both vaccine shots had a significantly higher seroconversion (P = .019) with a parallel increase in geometric mean titer (P = .006). However, the flare rate (Clinical Disease Activity Index >10) was higher in the group that withheld vs. continued methotrexate (P = .011).

Study details: Findings are from the single-center, prospective CoronavRheum study that included 138 patients with RA with LDA/remission at first vaccine dose who were randomly assigned to maintain (n = 69) methotrexate use or institute a 2-week withdrawal (n = 60) of methotrexate after each dose of Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine.

Disclosures: This study was funded by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, and B3 - Bolsa de Valores do Brasil. No conflicts of interest were declared.

Source: Renner Araujo CS et al. Two-week methotrexate discontinuation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis vaccinated with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine: A randomised clinical trial. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022 (Feb 22). Doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-221916

Key clinical point: A 2-week methotrexate withdrawal after each dose of Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine may improve anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunogenicity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with low disease activity (LDA) or remission. However, this may increase flare rates, thereby requiring close surveillance of disease activity.

Major finding: At 6 weeks after the second vaccine dose, patients who withheld vs. maintained methotrexate after both vaccine shots had a significantly higher seroconversion (P = .019) with a parallel increase in geometric mean titer (P = .006). However, the flare rate (Clinical Disease Activity Index >10) was higher in the group that withheld vs. continued methotrexate (P = .011).

Study details: Findings are from the single-center, prospective CoronavRheum study that included 138 patients with RA with LDA/remission at first vaccine dose who were randomly assigned to maintain (n = 69) methotrexate use or institute a 2-week withdrawal (n = 60) of methotrexate after each dose of Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine.

Disclosures: This study was funded by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, and B3 - Bolsa de Valores do Brasil. No conflicts of interest were declared.

Source: Renner Araujo CS et al. Two-week methotrexate discontinuation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis vaccinated with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine: A randomised clinical trial. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022 (Feb 22). Doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-221916

Key clinical point: A 2-week methotrexate withdrawal after each dose of Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine may improve anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunogenicity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with low disease activity (LDA) or remission. However, this may increase flare rates, thereby requiring close surveillance of disease activity.

Major finding: At 6 weeks after the second vaccine dose, patients who withheld vs. maintained methotrexate after both vaccine shots had a significantly higher seroconversion (P = .019) with a parallel increase in geometric mean titer (P = .006). However, the flare rate (Clinical Disease Activity Index >10) was higher in the group that withheld vs. continued methotrexate (P = .011).

Study details: Findings are from the single-center, prospective CoronavRheum study that included 138 patients with RA with LDA/remission at first vaccine dose who were randomly assigned to maintain (n = 69) methotrexate use or institute a 2-week withdrawal (n = 60) of methotrexate after each dose of Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine.

Disclosures: This study was funded by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, and B3 - Bolsa de Valores do Brasil. No conflicts of interest were declared.

Source: Renner Araujo CS et al. Two-week methotrexate discontinuation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis vaccinated with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine: A randomised clinical trial. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022 (Feb 22). Doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-221916

Key clinical point: Patient physical function and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of inflammation and damage at the time of treatment withdrawal (tWD) were independent predictors of flare at 6 and 12 months after tWD in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Major finding: At 6 and 12 months after tWD, a Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index score of >0.5 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.97; P = .0060 and aOR 5.09; P = .0048, respectively) and an MRI erosion score of >2 (aOR 2.81; P = .0176 and aOR 2.38; P = .0495, respectively) were independently associated with flare.

Study details: This was a post hoc analysis of phase 3b AVERT study involving 172 patients with early RA who achieved remission with methotrexate or abatacept at 1 year and entered a 12-month tWD period.

Disclosures: The study was supported by Bristol Myers Squibb. The authors reported receiving grant/research funding and speaking and consulting fees from various sources, including Bristol Myers Squibb. Dr. Ahmad and Dr. Banerjee reported being employees or shareholders of Bristol Myers Squibb.

Source: Ahmad HA et al. Prediction of flare following remission and treatment withdrawal in early rheumatoid arthritis: Post hoc analysis of a phase IIIb trial with abatacept. Arthritis Res Ther. 2022;24:47 (Feb 16). Doi: 10.1186/s13075-022-02735-8

Key clinical point: Patient physical function and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of inflammation and damage at the time of treatment withdrawal (tWD) were independent predictors of flare at 6 and 12 months after tWD in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Major finding: At 6 and 12 months after tWD, a Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index score of >0.5 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.97; P = .0060 and aOR 5.09; P = .0048, respectively) and an MRI erosion score of >2 (aOR 2.81; P = .0176 and aOR 2.38; P = .0495, respectively) were independently associated with flare.

Study details: This was a post hoc analysis of phase 3b AVERT study involving 172 patients with early RA who achieved remission with methotrexate or abatacept at 1 year and entered a 12-month tWD period.

Disclosures: The study was supported by Bristol Myers Squibb. The authors reported receiving grant/research funding and speaking and consulting fees from various sources, including Bristol Myers Squibb. Dr. Ahmad and Dr. Banerjee reported being employees or shareholders of Bristol Myers Squibb.

Source: Ahmad HA et al. Prediction of flare following remission and treatment withdrawal in early rheumatoid arthritis: Post hoc analysis of a phase IIIb trial with abatacept. Arthritis Res Ther. 2022;24:47 (Feb 16). Doi: 10.1186/s13075-022-02735-8

Key clinical point: Patient physical function and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of inflammation and damage at the time of treatment withdrawal (tWD) were independent predictors of flare at 6 and 12 months after tWD in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Major finding: At 6 and 12 months after tWD, a Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index score of >0.5 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.97; P = .0060 and aOR 5.09; P = .0048, respectively) and an MRI erosion score of >2 (aOR 2.81; P = .0176 and aOR 2.38; P = .0495, respectively) were independently associated with flare.

Study details: This was a post hoc analysis of phase 3b AVERT study involving 172 patients with early RA who achieved remission with methotrexate or abatacept at 1 year and entered a 12-month tWD period.

Disclosures: The study was supported by Bristol Myers Squibb. The authors reported receiving grant/research funding and speaking and consulting fees from various sources, including Bristol Myers Squibb. Dr. Ahmad and Dr. Banerjee reported being employees or shareholders of Bristol Myers Squibb.

Source: Ahmad HA et al. Prediction of flare following remission and treatment withdrawal in early rheumatoid arthritis: Post hoc analysis of a phase IIIb trial with abatacept. Arthritis Res Ther. 2022;24:47 (Feb 16). Doi: 10.1186/s13075-022-02735-8

Key clinical point: Approximately two-thirds of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving 15 mg upadacitinib and methotrexate attained a satisfactory humoral response to pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV-13) through 12 weeks postvaccination.

Major finding: At 4 weeks, 67.5% (95% CI 57.4%-77.5%) of patients receiving 15 mg upadacitinib and methotrexate attained a satisfactory humoral response to PCV-13, which was sustained until week 12 (64.6%; 95% CI 54.0%-75.1%), with response being similar irrespective of concomitant corticosteroids. Adverse events were mostly mild in severity.

Study details: Findings are from a phase 2 open-label extension trial, Balance-Extend, including 111 patients with RA receiving a stable dose of 15 mg upadacitinib (n = 87) or 30 mg (n = 24) once daily with background methotrexate who were administered PCV-13.

Disclosures: This study was supported by AbbVie. A Friedman, B Hendrickson, Y Li, and J Klaff reported being employees or shareholders of AbbVie, and others declared serving as editorial board members or receiving grants, consulting fees, or honoraria from various sources, including AbbVie.

Source: Winthrop K et al. Evaluation of response to 13-valent conjugated pneumococcal vaccination in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving upadacitinib: Results from a phase 2 open-label extension study. RMD Open. 2022;8:e002110 (Mar 4). Doi: 10.1136/rmdopen-2021-002110

Key clinical point: Approximately two-thirds of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving 15 mg upadacitinib and methotrexate attained a satisfactory humoral response to pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV-13) through 12 weeks postvaccination.

Major finding: At 4 weeks, 67.5% (95% CI 57.4%-77.5%) of patients receiving 15 mg upadacitinib and methotrexate attained a satisfactory humoral response to PCV-13, which was sustained until week 12 (64.6%; 95% CI 54.0%-75.1%), with response being similar irrespective of concomitant corticosteroids. Adverse events were mostly mild in severity.

Study details: Findings are from a phase 2 open-label extension trial, Balance-Extend, including 111 patients with RA receiving a stable dose of 15 mg upadacitinib (n = 87) or 30 mg (n = 24) once daily with background methotrexate who were administered PCV-13.

Disclosures: This study was supported by AbbVie. A Friedman, B Hendrickson, Y Li, and J Klaff reported being employees or shareholders of AbbVie, and others declared serving as editorial board members or receiving grants, consulting fees, or honoraria from various sources, including AbbVie.

Source: Winthrop K et al. Evaluation of response to 13-valent conjugated pneumococcal vaccination in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving upadacitinib: Results from a phase 2 open-label extension study. RMD Open. 2022;8:e002110 (Mar 4). Doi: 10.1136/rmdopen-2021-002110

Key clinical point: Approximately two-thirds of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving 15 mg upadacitinib and methotrexate attained a satisfactory humoral response to pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV-13) through 12 weeks postvaccination.

Major finding: At 4 weeks, 67.5% (95% CI 57.4%-77.5%) of patients receiving 15 mg upadacitinib and methotrexate attained a satisfactory humoral response to PCV-13, which was sustained until week 12 (64.6%; 95% CI 54.0%-75.1%), with response being similar irrespective of concomitant corticosteroids. Adverse events were mostly mild in severity.

Study details: Findings are from a phase 2 open-label extension trial, Balance-Extend, including 111 patients with RA receiving a stable dose of 15 mg upadacitinib (n = 87) or 30 mg (n = 24) once daily with background methotrexate who were administered PCV-13.

Disclosures: This study was supported by AbbVie. A Friedman, B Hendrickson, Y Li, and J Klaff reported being employees or shareholders of AbbVie, and others declared serving as editorial board members or receiving grants, consulting fees, or honoraria from various sources, including AbbVie.

Source: Winthrop K et al. Evaluation of response to 13-valent conjugated pneumococcal vaccination in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving upadacitinib: Results from a phase 2 open-label extension study. RMD Open. 2022;8:e002110 (Mar 4). Doi: 10.1136/rmdopen-2021-002110

Key clinical point: An additional COVID-19 vaccine dose (AddDose) had no effect on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity, regardless of whether patients withheld or continued disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD).

Major finding: The mean RA Disease Activity Index-5 was not significantly different pre- vs. post-AddDose (3.20 vs. 3.25; P = .51), with no difference observed among patients who withheld at least 1 DMARD or those who continued all DMARDs.

Study details: This was a prospective observational study including 71 patients with RA who had previously received either 2 doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or 1 dose of an adenovirus vector COVID-19 vaccine and planned for an AddDose.

Disclosures: ModernaTx supported Brigham and Women’s Hospital for an Investigator Sponsored Study, with additional support received from the US National Institutes of Health. The authors declared serving as scientific advisory board members or receiving research support and consulting fees from various sources, including ModernaTx.

Source: Tedeschi SK et al. Rheumatoid arthritis disease activity assessed by patient-reported outcomes and flow cytometry before and after an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022 (Feb 15). Doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2022-222232

Key clinical point: An additional COVID-19 vaccine dose (AddDose) had no effect on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity, regardless of whether patients withheld or continued disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD).

Major finding: The mean RA Disease Activity Index-5 was not significantly different pre- vs. post-AddDose (3.20 vs. 3.25; P = .51), with no difference observed among patients who withheld at least 1 DMARD or those who continued all DMARDs.

Study details: This was a prospective observational study including 71 patients with RA who had previously received either 2 doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or 1 dose of an adenovirus vector COVID-19 vaccine and planned for an AddDose.

Disclosures: ModernaTx supported Brigham and Women’s Hospital for an Investigator Sponsored Study, with additional support received from the US National Institutes of Health. The authors declared serving as scientific advisory board members or receiving research support and consulting fees from various sources, including ModernaTx.

Source: Tedeschi SK et al. Rheumatoid arthritis disease activity assessed by patient-reported outcomes and flow cytometry before and after an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022 (Feb 15). Doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2022-222232

Key clinical point: An additional COVID-19 vaccine dose (AddDose) had no effect on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity, regardless of whether patients withheld or continued disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD).

Major finding: The mean RA Disease Activity Index-5 was not significantly different pre- vs. post-AddDose (3.20 vs. 3.25; P = .51), with no difference observed among patients who withheld at least 1 DMARD or those who continued all DMARDs.

Study details: This was a prospective observational study including 71 patients with RA who had previously received either 2 doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or 1 dose of an adenovirus vector COVID-19 vaccine and planned for an AddDose.

Disclosures: ModernaTx supported Brigham and Women’s Hospital for an Investigator Sponsored Study, with additional support received from the US National Institutes of Health. The authors declared serving as scientific advisory board members or receiving research support and consulting fees from various sources, including ModernaTx.

Source: Tedeschi SK et al. Rheumatoid arthritis disease activity assessed by patient-reported outcomes and flow cytometry before and after an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022 (Feb 15). Doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2022-222232

Key clinical point: Baricitinib inhibited the progression of structural joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) even if they continued to have high or moderate disease activity (DA).

Major finding: Structural damage progression was not significantly different based on DA among patients with inadequate response to methotrexate (methotrexate-IR) receiving baricitinib (P = .6), whereas a clear dependence on DA was observed among patients receiving placebo (P = .02), with patients with moderate/high DA receiving baricitinib vs. placebo showing less disease progression (P < .001).

Study details: The study included patients with established RA who were either methotrexate-IR (RA-BEAM) or naive to conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (RA-BEGIN).

Disclosures: Eli Lilly and Company and Incyte Corporation provided funding for the RA-BEGIN and RA-BEAM trials. P Lopez-Romero, I de la Torre, and E Haladyj reported being employees of Eli Lilly and Company, and others declared serving as an advisor or speaker or receiving grants/contracts from various sources, including Eli Lilly.

Source: Lopez-Romero P et al. Baricitinib further enhances disease-modifying effects by uncoupling the link between disease activity and joint structural progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022 (Feb 22). Doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-221323

Key clinical point: Baricitinib inhibited the progression of structural joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) even if they continued to have high or moderate disease activity (DA).

Major finding: Structural damage progression was not significantly different based on DA among patients with inadequate response to methotrexate (methotrexate-IR) receiving baricitinib (P = .6), whereas a clear dependence on DA was observed among patients receiving placebo (P = .02), with patients with moderate/high DA receiving baricitinib vs. placebo showing less disease progression (P < .001).

Study details: The study included patients with established RA who were either methotrexate-IR (RA-BEAM) or naive to conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (RA-BEGIN).

Disclosures: Eli Lilly and Company and Incyte Corporation provided funding for the RA-BEGIN and RA-BEAM trials. P Lopez-Romero, I de la Torre, and E Haladyj reported being employees of Eli Lilly and Company, and others declared serving as an advisor or speaker or receiving grants/contracts from various sources, including Eli Lilly.

Source: Lopez-Romero P et al. Baricitinib further enhances disease-modifying effects by uncoupling the link between disease activity and joint structural progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022 (Feb 22). Doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-221323

Key clinical point: Baricitinib inhibited the progression of structural joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) even if they continued to have high or moderate disease activity (DA).

Major finding: Structural damage progression was not significantly different based on DA among patients with inadequate response to methotrexate (methotrexate-IR) receiving baricitinib (P = .6), whereas a clear dependence on DA was observed among patients receiving placebo (P = .02), with patients with moderate/high DA receiving baricitinib vs. placebo showing less disease progression (P < .001).

Study details: The study included patients with established RA who were either methotrexate-IR (RA-BEAM) or naive to conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (RA-BEGIN).

Disclosures: Eli Lilly and Company and Incyte Corporation provided funding for the RA-BEGIN and RA-BEAM trials. P Lopez-Romero, I de la Torre, and E Haladyj reported being employees of Eli Lilly and Company, and others declared serving as an advisor or speaker or receiving grants/contracts from various sources, including Eli Lilly.

Source: Lopez-Romero P et al. Baricitinib further enhances disease-modifying effects by uncoupling the link between disease activity and joint structural progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022 (Feb 22). Doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-221323

Key clinical point: Patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with baricitinib monotherapy or baricitinib plus methotrexate vs. methotrexate monotherapy (MM) experienced significantly greater and more rapid pain relief along with more weeks of limited to no pain.

Major finding: Patients treated with baricitinib monotherapy or baricitinib+methotrexate vs. MM reported a significant improvement in pain as early as 2 weeks with sustained improvements and an additional 9-10 weeks of pain-free life over the 52-week treatment period (all P < .001).

Study details: This was a post hoc analysis of the phase 3 study, RA-BEGIN including 588 patients with early RA randomly assigned to receive MM, baricitinib monotherapy, or baricitinib+methotrexate for 52 weeks.

Disclosures: This work was sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company under license from Incyte Corporation. Five authors declared being employees or shareholders of Eli Lilly and Company, and some others declared receiving research grants, consultation fees, honoraria, or speaking fees from various sources, including Eli Lilly and Company.

Source: Taylor PC et al. Achieving pain control in early rheumatoid arthritis with baricitinib monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate versus methotrexate monotherapy. RMD Open. 2022;8:e001994 (Mar 9). Doi: 10.1136/rmdopen-2021-001994

Key clinical point: Patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with baricitinib monotherapy or baricitinib plus methotrexate vs. methotrexate monotherapy (MM) experienced significantly greater and more rapid pain relief along with more weeks of limited to no pain.

Major finding: Patients treated with baricitinib monotherapy or baricitinib+methotrexate vs. MM reported a significant improvement in pain as early as 2 weeks with sustained improvements and an additional 9-10 weeks of pain-free life over the 52-week treatment period (all P < .001).

Study details: This was a post hoc analysis of the phase 3 study, RA-BEGIN including 588 patients with early RA randomly assigned to receive MM, baricitinib monotherapy, or baricitinib+methotrexate for 52 weeks.

Disclosures: This work was sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company under license from Incyte Corporation. Five authors declared being employees or shareholders of Eli Lilly and Company, and some others declared receiving research grants, consultation fees, honoraria, or speaking fees from various sources, including Eli Lilly and Company.

Source: Taylor PC et al. Achieving pain control in early rheumatoid arthritis with baricitinib monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate versus methotrexate monotherapy. RMD Open. 2022;8:e001994 (Mar 9). Doi: 10.1136/rmdopen-2021-001994

Key clinical point: Patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with baricitinib monotherapy or baricitinib plus methotrexate vs. methotrexate monotherapy (MM) experienced significantly greater and more rapid pain relief along with more weeks of limited to no pain.

Major finding: Patients treated with baricitinib monotherapy or baricitinib+methotrexate vs. MM reported a significant improvement in pain as early as 2 weeks with sustained improvements and an additional 9-10 weeks of pain-free life over the 52-week treatment period (all P < .001).

Study details: This was a post hoc analysis of the phase 3 study, RA-BEGIN including 588 patients with early RA randomly assigned to receive MM, baricitinib monotherapy, or baricitinib+methotrexate for 52 weeks.

Disclosures: This work was sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company under license from Incyte Corporation. Five authors declared being employees or shareholders of Eli Lilly and Company, and some others declared receiving research grants, consultation fees, honoraria, or speaking fees from various sources, including Eli Lilly and Company.

Source: Taylor PC et al. Achieving pain control in early rheumatoid arthritis with baricitinib monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate versus methotrexate monotherapy. RMD Open. 2022;8:e001994 (Mar 9). Doi: 10.1136/rmdopen-2021-001994