Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor neutralisation in patients with axial spondyloarthritis in the UK (NAMASTE): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial.

Background: Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a proinflammatory cytokine overproduced in several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including axial spondyloarthritis. Namilumab is a human IgG1 monoclonal anti-GM-CSF antibody that potently neutralises human GM-CSF. We aimed to assess the efficacy of namilumab in participants with moderate-to-severe active axial spondyloarthritis.

Humoral immune response after COVID-19 infection or BNT162b2 vaccine among older adults: evolution over time and protective thresholds.

The objectives of this study were to assess the dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 anti-RBD-IgG response over time among older people after COVID-19 infection or vaccination and its comparison with indicative levels of protection. Geriatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 serological test results were included and divided into three groups. A vaccine group (n = 34), a group of natural COVID-19 infection (n = 32), and a group who contracted COVID-19 less than 15 days after the first injection (n = 17).

Novel Therapeutic Targets in Axial Spondyloarthritis.

Purpose Of Review: Axial spondyloarthritis remains an area of significant unmet clinical need with only two immune pathways currently targeted by licenced therapies compared to other immune-mediated inflammatory joint disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis where a multitude of therapeutic options are available. This review will look at emerging therapeutic targets in axial spondyloarthritis beyond the neutralisation of IL-17A and TNF by monoclonal antibodies.

Recent Findings: Several promising targets are in various stages of pre-clinical and clinical development in axial spondyloarthritis.

An audit of the use of hydroxychloroquine in rheumatology clinics.

Objective: The aim was to audit the use, indications, complications and patient information regarding HCQ treatment in rheumatology clinics in a tertiary referral centre.

Methods: During a 9-month period, we identified all patients prescribed HCQ and attending rheumatology clinics in one hospital. We established: (i) the indication for HCQ; (ii) the prevalence of HCQ overdosing based on absolute body weight (ABW); (iii) documentation of warning of risk of retinal toxicity; (iv) systemic and ocular co-morbidities; (v) ocular symptoms during treatment; and (vi) reasons for stopping HCQ.