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Belgian Investigators are Rock Stars in SpA and PsA

June 9 2016 12:33 AM ET via RheumReports RheumReports

It was a slow start for psoriatic arthritis with only 1 session where PsA was discussed more from a pathophysiological standpoint rather than therapeutics. 

The "Clinical Science Session" addressed emerging pathways in axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis. The three presentations by three Belgian rock stars were well received. 

Dr. Baeten gave a convincing presentation on the role of IL-17 in structural damage in SpA, both bone loss and new bone formation, reviewing basic science as well as clinical studies. Clinical trials have clearly demonstrated inhibition of erosions in PsA by both secukinumab and ixekizumab, and there are indications that secukinumab reduces axial progression, which need to be confirmed. 

Dr. Elewaut discussed the role of IL-22 and IL-23 in SpA and demonstrated that specifically inhibiting IL-23 with drugs like guselkumab or risankizumab dramatically improved severe psoriasis. Studies on PsA are awaited. 

Dr. Lories discussed the role of mechanical stress in SpA and reviewed some basic science and clinical data that indicates mechanical stress induces/worsens SpA, especially spinal inflammation. 

The two subsequent oral papers in this session discussed inhibition of structural progression by secukinumab in AS (Dr. Braun) and the promising results of a Phase 2 trial of tofacitinib in AS (Dr. van der Heijde).


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About the Author

Dr. Cathy Flanagan
Dr. Cathy Flanagan

Cathy Flanagan, MD, FRCP(C) studied medicine at McGill University then completed fellowships in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. She has been a Consultant in the Department of Internal Medicine at the Royal Columbian Hospital since 2000 and a Clinical Professor at the University of British Columbia since 2009.

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