Non-biologic DMARDs Research Articles

The prescription and monitoring of conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs: British Society for Rheumatology guideline scope.

This guideline will provide up-to-date, evidence-based recommendations on the safe use of non-biologic DMARDs, also called conventional synthetic DMARDs (csDMARD), across the full spectrum of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The guideline will update the guideline published in 2017 and will be expanded to include people of all ages. Updated information on the monitoring of DMARDs and vaccinations will be included. The guideline will be developed using the methods and processes described in the British Society for Rheumatology's 'Creating clinical guidelines: our protocol', updated 2023.

Effects of upadacitinib on enthesitis in patients with psoriatic arthritis: a post hoc analysis of SELECT-PsA 1 and 2 trials.

To characterize the effect of upadacitinib 15 mg once daily (UPA15) on enthesitis in patients with PsA from the SELECT-PsA Phase 3 trials. Patients with an inadequate response/intolerance to one or more non-biologic DMARD (SELECT-PsA 1) or one or more biologic DMARD (SELECT-PsA 2) received UPA15, adalimumab 40 mg every other week or placebo (weeks 0-24) switched to UPA15 (week 24 onward). The Leeds Enthesitis Index (LEI) and Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) index were used to assess improvement in enthesitis, enthesitis resolution, maintenance of enthesitis resolution and protection from enthesitis development through week 56. Data from 639 patients receiving UPA15 and 635 patients receiving placebo (including 317 patients who switched from placebo to UPA15) were analysed. UPA15 led to higher rates of enthesitis resolution vs placebo at week 24 (LEI: 59.8% vs 38.0%; SPARCC index: 50.6% vs 31.5%, respectively) and greater improvements in the LEI (-1.7 vs -1.0) and SPARCC index (-3.4 vs -1.9); improvements were maintained through week 56. Improvements were observed after 12 weeks of UPA15 treatment. Over 90% of patients without enthesitis (LEI = 0) at baseline receiving UPA15 were enthesitis-free at week 56, and UPA15 prevented recurrence of enthesitis at week 56 in >80% of patients with enthesitis at baseline who achieved resolution (LEI = 0) at week 24. UPA15 is associated with a comprehensive improvement in enthesitis, with improvements observed after 12 weeks of treatment. Additionally, treatment with UPA15 was associated with maintaining an enthesitis-free state after resolution and protection against new-onset enthesitis. ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT03104400 (SELECT-PsA 1) and NCT03104374 (SELECT-PsA 2).

Safety and efficacy of peficitinib in Asian patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate: results of a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study

The efficacy and safety of the oral Janus kinase inhibitor peficitinib were investigated in Asian patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this double-blind, phase 3 study, patients from mainland China, Korea, and Taiwan with RA and an inadequate response/intolerance to methotrexate were randomized (1:1:1) to once-daily placebo (N=128), peficitinib 100mg(N=129), or 150mg(N=128) in combination with non-biologic DMARDs. At Week 24, patients receiving placebo switched to peficitinib 100mg or 150mg. American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20 response at Week 24/early termination (ET) was the primary endpoint. Adverse events (AEs) were assessed. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials (NCT03660059). 385 patients were included in the analysis. ACR20 responses were statistically significantly higher in both peficitinib 100mg (56.6%) and 150mg (56.3%) groups versus placebo (24.2%); Odds Ratio (95% confidence interval, CI) 4.14 (2.42, 7.08) and 4.07 (2.38, 6.96), respectively (both P<0.001) at Week 24/ET. The incidence rate of herpes zoster related disease (herpes zoster and varicella) was higher in patients who received peficitinib versus placebo, but no dose dependency was observed (incidence rate/100 patient-years (95% CI): peficitinib 6.7 (4.32, 10.37); placebo 3.7 (0.93, 14.88). In Asian patients with RA and an inadequate response/intolerance to methotrexate, peficitinib 100mg and 150mg demonstrated superiority to placebo in the reduction of RA symptoms and was well tolerated. No additional benefit was observed with use of the higher peficitinib dose in this study population of predominantly Chinese patients. Astellas Pharma.

Comparison of a second TNFi vs other biologic or targeted synthetic DMARD following an initial TNFi.

BACKGROUND: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis may require treatment with a biologic or targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (b/tsDMARD). Often, a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) is the initial b/tsDMARD. The TNFi may not be effective or may not be well tolerated, so patients will opt for a different TNFi or switch to a non-TNFi b/tsDMARD. No preference for a TNFi or non-TNFi has been established and guidelines are unclear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effectiveness by comparing patients using a second TNFi vs a non-TNFi after initial use of TNFi based on treatment patterns and health care utilization. METHODS: This retrospective analysis used Medicare Advantage prescription drug (MAPD) plan, Medicaid, and commercial plan claims data from Humana's Research Database (Louisville, KY). The first claim for TNFi or non-TNFi (July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2018) following earlier TNFi was the index date. Patients were required to have pre-index enrollment of 6 months and 12 months post-index along with diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or psoriasis. During the 12-month follow-up, persistence to the index TNFi or non-TNFi was measured as continued therapy without a gap exceeding 45 days (81 days for intravenous infusions). Adherence was proportion of days covered at least 0.8. Addition of a nonbiologic DMARD or corticosteroid was also identified. Inpatient admissions and emergency department visits were observed. Inverse probability of treatment weights was used to balance cohorts. Logistic regression models were fit to TNFi vs non-TNFI on treatment and utilization measures. RESULTS: Of identified patients, 1,022 were indexed to a second TNFi and 1,024 were indexed to non-TNFi. Weighted cohorts were balanced, with mean age 56.5 vs 56.4 years, 70.5% vs 70.7% female sex, and 68.0% vs 67.9% MAPD plan. No differences were observed on persistence or adherence, with adjusted odds ratios (OR) of 1.05 (95% CI = 0.91-1.20) and 1.04 (0.91-1.20), respectively. No differences were observed for changes in therapy via switching to another TNFi/non-TNFi (OR = 0.93; 95% CI = 0.54-1.62), via nonbiologic DMARD addition (OR = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.83-1.11), or corticosteroid addition (OR = 1.09; 95% CI = 0.92-1.88). No differences were observed for hospitalization (OR = 1.16; 95% CI = 0.99-1.37) or emergency department visits (OR = 1.02; 95% CI = 0.89-1.18). CONCLUSIONS: No differences were found between a second TNFi vs a non-TNFi. As a result, choice of TNFi or non-TNFi following an initial TNFi may be driven by relevant patient-specific considerations. At the population level, policies that prefer either TNFi or non-TNFi appear reasonable. DISCLOSURES: The study was funded by Humana Inc. Mr Racsa is an employee of Humana Healthcare Research, Inc., a subsidiary of Humana Inc. Drs Asante and Bloomfield are employees of Humana Inc. Dr Schwab was an employee of Humana Healthcare Research, Inc., a subsidiary of Humana Inc., and is now an employee of RTI Health Solutions. Dr Cornett was an employee of Humana Inc. and is now an employee of ImmunoGen Inc.

#2776 KIDNEY INVOLVEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Abstract Background and Aims In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) kidney is commonly affected organ with clinical presentation characterized by proteinuria and microalbuminuria, followed by chronic renal failure. RA is associated with reduced kidney function, possibly due to chronic inflammation or the use of nephrotoxic therapies. Renal diseases occurring in patients with RA may have a variable clinicopathological picture. Little is known about the effects of using the novel biological agents on the risk of kidney diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between effect of therapy and kidney involvement in patients with RA and evaluated the histopathological findings and associated clinical manifestation. Method In this retrospective study 275 patients with diagnosis of RA were included. In 48 patients renal biopsy was performed. The patients were divided in three groups according to changes in management of RA: 1991-2001, 2002-2011 and 2012-2022 year. Data of demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms and pathological diagnosis were extracted from medical records and pathological reports. Results In our study amyloidosis was the most common histologic pattern, followed by chronic glomerulonephritis (GN) and tubulointerstitial nephritis. Renal amyloidosis was diagnosed in 13 patients, membranous GN – in 9, mesangioproliferative GN – in 7 patients, focal segmental necrotizing GN – in 5, focal segmental sclerosis – in 4, minimal change disease – in 3, tubulointerstitial nephritis – in 7 patients. Between 1991 and 2001 year the most common clinical manifestation was nephrotic syndrome and the most common histopathological findings – renal amyloidosis, followed by membranous GN and focal segmental necrotizing GN. The membranous GN was related to the use of gold and its frequency decreased after 2001. The mesangioproliferative GN was the leading cause of kidney disease between 2002–2011 years and focal segmental sclerosis – between 2012–2022. In our study 68 patients had a decrease of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) &amp;lt; 60 mL/min/m2. No kidney biopsies were performed in these cases because no urine abnormalities were detected. We found that age, duration of the disease, arterial hypertension, C-reactive protein were significant risk factors for GFR decline in patients with RA. Patients with RA who are treated with biologic agents are less likely to experience progressive decline in kidney function than those not receiving biologic treatment (hazard ratios {HRs] [95% CI], 0,84 [0,68-1,02]}. Conclusion In all patients with RA, renal function should be monitored and in the case of pathologic results, renal biopsy should be performed. In RA patients with renal disorder, suspected causal drug should be removed from the treatment and specific immunosuppressive therapy initiated. Improved pain management associated with biologic treatment may help to reduce the need for potentially nephrotoxic anti-inflammatory agents such as NSAIDs and certain types of non-biologic DMARDs, which could consequently reduce the risk of drug-induced nephrotoxicity and thereby contribute to the lower risk of renal diseases.

EE251 Drug Expenditure, Price, and Utilization in the U.S. Medicaid Program: An Empirical Trend Analysis for Nonbiologic and Biologic DMARDS

Biological drugs as specialty medications have been a significant driver of drug expenditures for payers. Biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are effective but costly treatments as payer’s perspective. Over the past two decades, Medicaid has been the primary public payer for DMARDs.

COVID-19 Associated Vasculitis Confirmed by the Tissues RT-PCR: A Case Series Report

Several cases of skin and central nervous system vasculopathy associated with COVID-19 in children have been published, but the information is rather limited. Our study aimed to describe these cases of vasculitis associated with COVID-19 in children. In the retrospective-prospective case series study we included information regarding four children with COVID-19-associated vasculitis. In every case, we had a morphological description and the etiology was confirmed via real-time polymerase chain reaction during a tissue biopsy. The most involved systems were skin (4/4), respiratory (3/4), cardiovascular (2/4), nervous (1/4), eye (1/4), kidney (1/4), and inner year (1/4). All patients had increased inflammatory markers and thrombotic parameters (D-dimer). No patient met the criteria for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Two patients met polyarteritis nodosa criteria, one met Henoch-Schonlein purpura criteria, and one met unclassified vasculitis criteria. All patients were treated with systemic glucocorticosteroids (two-pulse therapy). Non-biologic DMARDs were prescribed in all cases; 1/4 patients (25%) was treated with intravenous immunoglobuline, and 3/4 (75%) were treated with biologics (etanercept, tocilizumab, and adalimumab). Vasculitis associated with COVID-19 could be a life-threatening condition; SARS-CoV-2 might be a new trigger or etiological agent for vasculitis and other immune-mediated diseases. Further research and collection of similar cases are required.

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis and tofacitinib: a case series.

Dear Editor, Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO), an inflammatory bone disease of unclear aetiology, affects primarily children and can lead to persistent bone pain and bone destruction. Treatments for CRMO refractory to NSAIDs include non-biologic DMARDs, TNF-α inhibitors (TNFis) or bisphosphonates [1–6]. However, novel therapies are needed for children with severe CRMO. Tofacitinib, an oral janus kinase inhibitor, is approved for PsA and ulcerative colitis. It has been shown to improve enthesitis, dactylitis, and radiographic progression [7]. This case series presents four patients with CRMO who were treated with tofacitinib. Ethics approval IRB#1232 was obtained for this study, and informed consent was received from the patients. The clinical characteristics and treatments of the patients are summarized in Table 1. A white girl with psoriasis since age 4 that failed MTX and etanercept treatment presented at 9 years of age with several months of worsening hand, elbow and knee pain. She underwent bone biopsy after confirmation of multifocal osteomyelitis by MRI and subsequently was diagnosed with CRMO. She was started on meloxicam and transitioned to infliximab and MTX. Her CRMO was well controlled, but her psoriasis flared after 9 months. She received a series of biologics, including golimumab then adalimumab, which caused worsening of the psoriasis, for which ustekinumab was added for 6 months. All biologics were discontinued 20 months after diagnosis and the girl received pamidronate for 21 months for her CRMO. Due to the persistent active bone disease and poorly controlled psoriasis (despite topical treatment, UV therapy and CSA), she was transitioned to tofacitinib 4 years after initial diagnosis, with improvement in CRMO on MRI. At her most recent visit 7 months after Xeljanz initiation, she had no bone pain or swelling, stable psoriasis, and her MRI showed minimally active disease.

Uveitis Is a Risk Factor for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis' Significant Flare in Patients Treated With Biologics

ObjectivesUveitis is the most frequent extra-articular manifestation of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Our study is aimed to evaluate the possible difference in arthritis course depending on uveitis presence in patients with JIA, treated with biologics.MethodsFrom our database of patients with JIA treated with biologics, we extracted patients to whom the first agent was administrated with or without MTX. The exclusion criteria included treatment with current systemic corticosteroids, infliximab, rituximab, observation period <3 years, and no missing data. After selection, 175 patients were eligible for analysis. We evaluated clinically significant flare with joint involvement (which required change of biologic or non-biologic DMARD) and time to flare. We compared two groups: (i) patients with uveitis (n = 32) and (ii) patients without uveitis (n = 143). For statistical analysis, we used Cox's regression models, the log-Rank test, x2 test, and the Mann–Whitney test.ResultsThere was no difference in gender distribution and achievement of arthritis remission between groups. Patients in the non-uveitis group predominantly received etanercept (64.3%). In the uveitis group, the most prescribed biologic agent was adalimumab (71.9%). The presence of uveitis increased the risk of JIA flare, OR = 3.8 (95% CI: 1.7; 8.7), and the cumulative probability of joint flare, RR = 4.5 (95% CI: 1.7; 12.1), p =.003, after adjustment on methotrexate, RR = 3.1 (1.6; 6.), p =.0008. In the subgroup of patients treated with adalimumab, the absence of methotrexate increased the cumulative probability of flare [RR = 6.5 (95% CI: 1.4; 31.1), p = 0.02].ConclusionThe presence of uveitis proved to be a risk factor in JIA flare. Methotrexate can decrease the cumulative flare probability. Further trials are required.

OA38 Efficacy and safety of upadacitinib in patients with psoriatic arthritis and axial involvement

Abstract Background/Aims Patients (pts) with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial involvement exhibit greater disease activity and quality of life impairments compared with those without axial involvement. Here the aim was to characterize PsA pts with and without axial involvement and compare efficacy of UPA vs placebo (PBO) in PsA pts with axial involvement. Methods In SELECT-PsA 1 (NCT03104400; N = 1705, non-biologic DMARD IR) and SELECT-PsA 2 (NCT03104374; N = 642, biologic DMARD IR), pts with active PsA (≥3 swollen and ≥3 tender joints), active or historical psoriasis, and on ≤ 2 non-biologic DMARDs were randomized to once daily UPA 15 mg, UPA 30 mg, adalimumab 40 mg every other week (SELECT-PsA 1 only), or PBO. Efficacy was assessed in pts with axial involvement (diagnosed by investigators based on totality of information) pooled from the two studies. Assessments included change from BL in BASDAI, BASDAI Q2 (neck/back/hip pain) and Q3 (joint swelling/pain), and the AS Disease Activity Score (ASDAS-CRP), and percentage with BASDAI 50 response, ASDAS inactive disease (ID), ASDAS low disease activity (LDA), ASDAS major improvement (MI), and ASDAS clinically important improvement (CII). Uveitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) adverse events were reviewed. Data on 24-week PBO-controlled period are presented. Results Prevalence of axial involvement was 31.3% in SELECT-PsA 1 and 34.2% in SELECT-PsA 2 (Table). Treatment with UPA 15 mg and 30 mg resulted in significantly greater improvements from BL in the BASDAI, BASDAI Q2 (neck/back/hip pain) and Q3 (joint swelling/pain) and ASDAS-CRP at weeks 12 and 24 vs PBO. Similarly, significantly higher percentages of pts on UPA 15 mg and 30 mg achieved BASDAI 50, ASDAS ID, LDA, MI, and CII at weeks 12 and 24 vs PBO. One pt on UPA 30 mg had incident uveitis, and no IBD was reported on UPA. Conclusion PsA pts with axial involvement had higher BL disease burden compared with those without axial involvement. UPA was efficacious in treating axial symptoms in pts with psoriatic spondylitis. Disclosure A. Deodhar: Consultancies; A.D. has received consultancy fees from Novartis, Pfizer, AbbVie, Eli-Lilly, UBC Pharma, GlaxoSmithKline, Galapagos, Janssen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene. Member of speakers’ bureau; A.D. is a member of the speakers' bureau of Novartis and Pfizer. Grants/research support; A.D. has received research grants from Novartis, Pfizer, AbbVie, Eli-Lilly, UBC Pharma, GlaxoSmithKline. R. Ranza: Consultancies; R.R. has acted as a consultant to AbbVie, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer. Member of speakers’ bureau; R.R. is a member of the speakers' bureau of AbbVie, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer. Grants/research support; R.R. has received grant/research support from AbbVie, Janssen. F. Ganz: Shareholder/stock ownership; F.G. is an employee of AbbVie and may hold stock or options. T. Gao: Shareholder/stock ownership; T.G. is an employee of AbbVie and may hold stock and options. J. Anderson: Shareholder/stock ownership; J.A. is an employee of AbbVie and may hold stock and options. A. Ostor: Consultancies; A.O. has acted as a consultant for AbbVie, BMS, Roche, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, UBC, Pfizer, Gilead, Paradigm.

P003 Quality improvement project on rituximab use in rheumatoid arthritis - how do we improve quality and cost effectiveness?

Background/AimsRituximab (RTX) is a chimeric monoclonal antibody against CD20, a transmembrane protein on B lymphocyte surfaces. It is now established as an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The timing of re-treatment is not well defined and varies widely in clinical practice. Our aim was to assess departmental practice on retreatment doses and frequency of RTX in RA patients. We proposed retreatment with reduced dose (1gm) as compared to the standard dose (1gm x 2, 2 weeks apart). We envisage this would maintain efficacy and lead to significant cost saving for the CCG and Rheumatology department.MethodsData were collected retrospectively over 3 years (2017- 2020) on patients who had received at least one re-treatment RTX dose no less than 24 weeks after first course of standard regime. Information was obtained on patient demographics, serology, disease activity scores, previous treatment, concurrent therapy including steroids, frequency and dosing of RTX.Results50 patients were included with an average age 66 years (range 32- 85), 58% were females, 83% were seropositive and 59% had established erosive disease. Most patients had received prior therapy of non-biologic and biologic DMARDs, methotrexate and anti-TNF being the most used agents in 70% and 52%, respectively. 40% were biologic DMARD naïve mostly due to anti-TNF contraindication. 78% patients were receiving concomitant non-biologic DMARDs, methotrexate being the commonest in 50% patients. 16% were on steroids with dose ≤ to 5mg in 87% of patients. 43% of patients received RTX 6 monthly, 33% 6- 9 monthly and 24% > 9 months. 96% of the patients received 1gm infusion x2, 2 weeks apart.ConclusionOur data showed most patients were receiving standard retreatment regime (1gm x2 fortnightly) at 6 monthly intervals. Previous studies including SMART (Study of Re-treatment With MabThera), SERENE, IMAGE and MIRROR trials suggested reduced dose of RTX had similar clinical efficacy to the standard dose. We optimised retreatment schedule of RTX from 2g to 1g, thereby reducing infection risk, especially in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and achieving significant cost savings. The cost savings over 3-year cycle of treatment for a DGH is of the order of £236,927.P003 Table 1Cost savings over 3-year cycle of treatmentThe prices for a 1000mg in 250mL Sodium Chloride 0.9% infusion of each of the Rituximab biosimilars MabThera Truxima Rixathon £2187.12 (inc. VAT)£963.12 (inc. VAT)£447.12 (inc. VAT) Dose Truxima Cost (£) /dose No. of pts (6 month Freq) No. of pts (6-9 month Freq) No. of pts (9+ month Freq) Total Costs (£) 2g1,926201511Costs over 3-year treatment with (2g)231,149138,689104,017473,855Costs over 3-year treatment with (1g)115,57469,34452,008236,927Disclosure N. Ahmad: None. J. McNally: None.

Cardiovascular Risk Prediction Parameters for Better Management in Rheumatic Diseases.

The early detection of cardiovascular disease (CVD) serves as a key element in preventive cardiology. The risk of developing CVD in patients with rheumatic disease is higher than that of the general population. Thus, the objective of this narrative review was to assess and describe updated risk-prediction parameters for CVD in patients suffering from rheumatic diseases, and, additionally, to evaluate therapeutic and risk management possibilities. The processes of recognizing CVD risk factors in rheumatic diseases, establishing diagnoses, and discovering CV risk assessments are currently displeasing in clinical practice; they have a limited clinical impact. A large number of references were found while screening PUBMED, Scopus, and Google scholar databases; the 47 most relevant references were utilized to build up this study. The selection was limited to English language full text articles, RCTs, and reviews published between 2011 and 2021. Multiple imaging techniques, such as ECG, ultrasound, and cIMT, as well as biomarkers like osteoprotegerin cytokine receptor and angiopoietin-2, can be beneficial in both CV risk prediction and in early subclinical diagnosis. Physical exercise is an essential non-pharmacological intervention that can maintain the health of the cardiovascular system and, additionally, influence the underlying disease. Lipid-lowering drugs (methotrexate from the non-biologic DMARDs family as well as biologic DMARDs such as anti-TNF) were all associated with a lower CV risk; however, anti-TNF medication can decrease cardiac compliance and promote heart failure in patients with previously diagnosed chronic HF. Although they achieved success rates in reducing inflammation, glucocorticoids, NSAIDs, and COX-2 inhibitors were correlated with an increased risk of CVD. When taking all of the aforementioned points into consideration, there appears to be a dire need to establish and implement CVD risk stratification models in rheumatic patients.

Upadacitinib as monotherapy and in combination with non-biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for psoriatic arthritis.

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib (UPA), an oral Janus kinase inhibitor, as monotherapy or in combination with non-biologic DMARDs (nbDMARDs) in patients with PsA.MethodsPooled data were analysed from patients with prior inadequate response or intolerance to one or more nbDMARD (SELECT-PsA 1) or one or more biologic DMARD (SELECT-PsA 2) who received placebo, UPA 15 mg once daily (QD) or UPA 30 mg QD as monotherapy or in combination with two or fewer nbDMARDs for 24 weeks. Efficacy outcomes included achievement of ACR responses, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index responses, minimal disease activity and change from baseline and clinically meaningful improvement in the HAQ Disability Index. Adverse events (AEs) were summarized.ResultsA total of 1916 patients were included; 574 (30%) received monotherapy and 1342 (70%) received combination therapy. Placebo-subtracted treatment effects for a 20% improvement in ACR criteria at week 12 were 33.7% (95% CI 24.4, 43.1) and 34.0% (95% CI 27.9, 40.1) for UPA 15 mg QD monotherapy and combination therapy, respectively, and 45.7% (95% CI 36.9, 54.5) and 39.6% (95% CI 33.7, 45.5) for UPA 30 mg QD monotherapy and combination therapy, respectively. Treatment effects for other outcomes were consistent between monotherapy and combination therapy. AE frequency was generally similar for UPA monotherapy and combination therapy, although hepatic disorders and creatine phosphokinase elevation were more common with combination therapy vs monotherapy.ConclusionThe efficacy and safety of UPA were generally consistent when administered as monotherapy or in combination with nbDMARDs through 24 weeks, supporting the use of UPA with or without nbDMARDs in PsA.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov): SELECT-PsA 1 (NCT03104400), SELECT-PsA 2 (NCT03104374)

Cardiovascular Safety of Hydroxychloroquine in US Veterans With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) may prolong the QT interval, a risk factor for torsade de pointes, a potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmia. This study was undertaken to examine the cardiovascular safety of HCQ in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We conducted an active comparator safety study of HCQ in a propensity score-matched cohort of 8,852 US veterans newly diagnosed as having RA between October 1, 2001 and December 31, 2017. Patients were started on HCQ (n = 4,426) or another nonbiologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD; n = 4,426) after RA diagnosis, up to December 31, 2018, and followed up for 12 months after therapy initiation, up to December 31, 2019. Patients had a mean ± SD age of 64 ± 12 years, 14% were women, and 28% were African American. The treatment groups were balanced with regard to 87 baseline characteristics. There were 3 long QT syndrome events (0.03%), 2 of which occurred in patients receiving HCQ. Of the 56 arrhythmia-related hospitalizations (0.63%), 30 occurred in patients in the HCQ group (hazard ratio [HR] associated with HCQ 1.16 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.68-1.95]). All-cause mortality occurred in 144 (3.25%) and 136 (3.07%) of the patients in the HCQ and non-HCQ groups, respectively (HR associated with HCQ 1.06 [95% CI, 0.84-1.34]). During the first 30 days of follow-up, there were no long QT syndrome events, 2 arrhythmia-related hospitalizations (none in the HCQ group), and 13 deaths (6 in the HCQ group). Our findings indicate that the incidence of long QT syndrome and arrhythmia-related hospitalization is low in patients with RA during the first year after the initiation of HCQ or another nonbiologic DMARD. We found no evidence that HCQ therapy is associated with a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events or death.

German S3-Guideline on the treatment of Psoriasis vulgaris, adapted from EuroGuiDerm - Part 2: Treatment monitoring and specific clinical or comorbid situations.

German S3-Guideline on the treatment of Psoriasis vulgaris, adapted from EuroGuiDerm - Part 2: Treatment monitoring and specific clinical or comorbid situations.

AB0522 SAFETY PROFILE OF UPADACITINIB UP TO 3 YEARS IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS: AN INTEGRATED ANALYSIS FROM THE PHASE 3 PROGRAM

Background:The efficacy and safety of upadacitinib (UPA), an oral Janus kinase inhibitor, in patients (pts) with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) were demonstrated through 24 weeks in the phase 3 SELECT-PsA 1 and SELECT-PsA 2 placebo-controlled clinical trials.1,2Objectives:To describe the long-term integrated safety profile of UPA relative to adalimumab (ADA) in pts with PsA treated in the SELECT program.Methods:The SELECT-PsA program enrolled pts with prior inadequate response or intolerance to ≥1 non-biologic DMARD (SELECT-PsA 1) or ≥1 biologic DMARD (SELECT-PsA 2). Both trials include UPA 15 mg and 30 mg, and only SELECT-PsA 1 includes long-term comparison with ADA 40 mg every other week. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs: AE onset ≥first dose and ≤30 days after last dose for UPA and ≤70 days for ADA) were summarized for the following: pooled UPA 15; pooled UPA 30; and ADA. TEAEs are reported as exposure-adjusted event rates (EAERs; events/100 pts years [E/100 PY]) up to a cut-off date of 20 June 2020.Results:2257 pts received ≥1 dose of UPA 15 (N=907; 1247.2 PYs), UPA 30 (N=921; 1257.4 PYs), or ADA (N=429; 549.7 PYs), with median (max) exposures of 69 (155), 69 (154), and 68 (152) weeks, respectively. EAERs of TEAEs and serious AEs were generally similar between UPA 15 and ADA and higher with UPA 30; rates of AEs leading to study drug discontinuation were generally similar across all groups (Table 1). Similarly, rates of serious infection were comparable between UPA 15 and ADA and higher with UPA 30 (Figure 1 next page). The most common serious infection was pneumonia. Rates of herpes zoster were lower with UPA 15 than UPA 30 but higher than ADA. Most herpes zoster events involved a single dermatome; no events involved the central nervous system or other internal organs. Lower rates of opportunistic infections (OI) excluding tuberculosis were observed with UPA 15 vs UPA 30; the most common OI was mucosal candida infection. Malignancies were reported at similar rates across all treatment groups; no events of lymphoma were reported. Age-gender-adjusted standardized incidence ratios for malignancies excluding NMSC indicated no increased risk with UPA compared to the general population. Rates of adjudicated major adverse cardiovascular events and venous thromboembolic events were ≤0.3 E/100 PY for both UPA arms; all pts had ≥1 risk factor. One adjudicated gastrointestinal perforation was reported with UPA 15.Table 1.Overall Treatment-emergent AEs for Upadacitinib and Adalimumab (E/100 PY [95% CI])UPA 15 mg QDN=907(1247.2 PY)UPA 30 mg QDN=921(1257.4 PY)ADA 40 mg EOWN=429(549.7 PY)AEs263.9 (254.9, 272.9)321.5 (311.6, 331.5)286.5 (272.4, 300.7)Serious AEs10.3 (8.6, 12.1)13.2 (11.2, 15.2)9.6 (7.0, 12.2)AE leading to discontinuation6.7 (5.2, 8.1)7.8 (6.2, 9.3)7.8 (5.5, 10.2)Deathsa0.2 (-0.1, 0.4)0.2 (-0.0, 0.5)0.2 (-0.2, 0.5)aDeaths included non-treatment emergent deaths: UPA 15, 1; UPA 30, 1.ADA, adalimumab; AE, adverse event; CI, confidence interval; E, event; EOW, every other week; PY, patient years; QD, once daily; UPA, upadacitinib.Hepatic disorders were mostly transient, non-serious transaminase increases. Creatine phosphokinase elevations were reported more frequently with UPA 30 vs UPA 15; most were asymptomatic with no rhabdomyolysis reported. AEs of anemia, neutropenia, and lymphopenia were generally mild or moderate, non-serious. Except for rates of lymphopenia (higher with UPA 15), hepatic disorders, and neutropenia (both higher with ADA), lab-related TEAEs occurred at generally consistent rates between UPA 15 and ADA. Study drug discontinuation due to lab-related TEAEs was uncommon.Conclusion:The safety profiles of UPA 15 and ADA were generally similar; the rates of most AEs were higher with UPA 30 compared with ADA. Through the cut-off date, the safety profile of UPA 15 and UPA 30 in PsA pts demonstrated consistent results compared to what has been observed with UPA in rheumatoid arthritis.3

P173 Efficacy and safety of upadacitinib versus placebo and adalimumab in patients with active PsA and inadequate response to non-biologic DMARDs (SELECT-PSA-1): a double-blind, randomised controlled phase III trial

Abstract Background/Aims Upadacitinib (UPA) is a JAK inhibitor under evaluation for PsA treatment. We aimed to assess efficacy and safety of UPA vs placebo (PBO) and adalimumab (ADA) in patients with prior inadequate response (IR) or intolerance to ≥ 1 non-biologic DMARD. This research was previously presented at EULAR; published in Annals of Rheumatic Diseases. Methods Patients with active PsA (≥3 swollen, ≥3 tender joints), active/historical psoriasis, ≤2 non-bDMARDs were randomized 1:1:1:1 to once-daily UPA 15mg (UPA15), UPA 30mg (UPA30), ADA 40mg every other week, or PBO. Primary endpoint: proportion of patients achieving ACR20 for UPA vs PBO at Wk12. Secondary endpoints: change in HAQ-DI, FACIT-F, SF-36-PCS (Wk12), sIGA of Psoriasis 0/1, PASI75, change in Self-Assessment of Psoriasis Symptoms (Wk16), change in modified Sharp/van der Heijde Score (mTSS), proportion patients achieving MDA, resolution of enthesitis (LEI=0) and dactylitis (LDI=0) (Wk24), non-inferiority and superiority vs ADA for ACR20, superiority for HAQ-DI, patient assessment of pain NRS (Wk12). Additional secondary endpoints: ACR50/70 at Wk12 and ACR20 at Wk2. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) through Wk24 reported for patients receiving ≥1 dose of study drug. Results 1,705 patients were randomised; 1,704 received study drug (mean age 50.8 yrs, mean duration of PsA diagnosis 6.1 yrs). 82% on ≥ 1 concomitant non-bDMARD. At Wk12, ACR20 rates were 70.6% with UPA15 and 78.5% with UPA30 vs 36.2% with PBO (p &amp;lt; 0.001 for UPA15/30 vs PBO) and 65.0% with ADA (non-inferiority, p &amp;lt; 0.001 for UPA15/30 vs ADA; superiority, p &amp;lt; 0.001 for UPA30 vs ADA). More patients achieved ACR50/70 with UPA15/30 vs PBO and UPA30 vs ADA. Improvements were observed with UPA15/30 vs PBO for all secondary endpoints and for UPA 15/30 vs ADA for HAQ-DI and UPA30 vs ADA for improvement in pain. At Wk24, change in mTSS was 0.25 for PBO, -0.04 for UPA15, 0.03 for UPA30, and 0.01 for ADA (p &amp;lt; 0.001 for UPA15/30 vs PBO). Rates of TEAEs and serious AEs, including serious infections, were similar in PBO, UPA15, and ADA arms and higher with UPA30. Herpes zoster rates were similar for PBO and UPA15/30. No MACE was reported with UPA. One malignancy occurred in both the PBO and UPA15 arms; 3 malignancies were reported in both UPA30 and ADA arms. VTE were reported in 1 PBO patient, 1 UPA30 patient and 2 ADA patients. One death occurred in the PBO arm. Conclusion In this non-bDMARD-IR PsA population UPA15/30 demonstrated improvement in musculoskeletal symptoms, psoriasis, physical function, pain, fatigue and inhibited radiographic progression; improvements observed by Wk2. At Wk12, UPA15/30 were non-inferior to ADA for ACR20, with superiority demonstrated for UPA30. Greater percentages of UPA vs PBO patients achieved stringent disease control measures (MDA, ACR50/70, sIGA 0/1). No new safety signals were identified compared to the safety profile observed in RA. Disclosure I. McInnes: Other; I.McI has received research grants and honoraria from Abbvie, BMS, Celgene, Novartis Lilly, Janssen, Pfizer, UCB. J. Anderson: Shareholder/stock ownership; J.A. may be a stock/ shareholder of AbbVie Inc. M. Magrey: Consultancies; M.M. has received consulting fees from Novartis, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and Janssen. Grants/research support; M.M. has received grants/ research support from Amgen, AbbVie, and UCB Pharma. J.F. Merola: Consultancies; J.F.M. is a consultant for Merck, Abbvie, Dermavant, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Janssen, UCB, Celgene, Sanofi, Regeneron, Arena, Sun Pharma, Biogen, Pfizer, EMD Sorono, Avotres and Leo Pharma. Y. Liu: None. M. Kishimoto: Consultancies; M.K. has received consulting fees from AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Celgene, Pfizer, Gilead, Janssen, and UCB Pharma. Honoraria; M.K. has received honoraria/ speakers fees from AbbVie, Eisai, Celgene, Pfizer, Novartis, Eli Lilly, Tanabe-Mitsubishi, Ayumi, Janssen, Astellas, and UCB Pharma. S. Jeka: None. C. Pacheco-Tena: None. X. Wang: Shareholder/stock ownership; X.W. may be a shareholder of AbbVie Inc. L. Chen: Shareholder/stock ownership; L.C. may be a stock/shareholder of AbbVie Inc. P. Zueger: Shareholder/stock ownership; P.Z. may be a stock/shareholder of AbbVie Inc. A. Pangan: Shareholder/stock ownership; A.P. may be a stock/shareholder of AbbVie Inc. F. Behrens: Honoraria; F.B. has received honoraria and speakers fees from Pfizer, AbbVie, Sanofi, Lilly, Novartis, UCB, Genzyme, Boehringer, Janssen, MSD, Celgene, Roche and Chugai. Grants/research support; F.B. has received grants/ research support from Pfizer, Janssen, Chugai, Celgene and Roche.

Patient and rheumatologist perspectives on tapering DMARDs in rheumatoid arthritis: a qualitative study.

To understand the perspectives of patients and rheumatologists for tapering DMARDs in RA. Using semi-structured interview guides, we conducted individual interviews and focus groups with RA patients and rheumatologists, which were audiotaped and transcribed. We conducted a pragmatic thematic analysis to identify major themes, comparing and contrasting different views on DMARD tapering between patients and rheumatologists. We recruited 28 adult patients with RA (64% women; disease duration 1-54 y) and 23 rheumatologists (52% women). Attitudes across both groups towards tapering DMARDs were ambivalent, ranging from wary to enthusiastic. Both groups expressed concerns, particularly the inability to 'recapture' the same level of disease control, while also acknowledging potential positive outcomes such as reduced drug harms. Patient tapering perspectives (whether to and when) changed over time and commonly included non-biologic DMARDs. Patient preferences were influenced by lived experiences, side effects, previous tapering experiences, disease trajectory, remission duration and current life roles. Rheumatologists' perspectives varied on timing and patient profile to initiate tapering, and were informed by both data and clinical experience. Patients expressed interest in shared decision-making (SDM) and close monitoring during tapering, with ready access to their health-care team if problems arose. Rheumatologists were generally open to tapering (not stopping), though sometimes only when requested by their patients. The perspectives of patients and rheumatologists on tapering DMARDs in RA vary and evolve over time. Rheumatologists should periodically discuss DMARD tapering with patients as part of SDM, and ensure monitoring and flare management plans are in place.

Hydroxychloroquine and the risk of respiratory infections among RA patients

ObjectivesTo determine the effect of hydroxychloroquine on the incidence of new respiratory infections in a large registry of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients compared with a matched cohort receiving other conventional...

The changing profile of ankylosing spondylitis in the biologic era.

To compare disease characteristics, comorbidities, and medication utilization of 1141 patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with short (< 20years) and long (≥ 20years) disease duration enrolled in the Prospective Study of Outcomes in AS (PSOAS) study over three different periods of time and followed longitudinally. Study visits were carried out every 6months examining disease activity (Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate), functional impairment, depression, and medication utilization as well as radiographic severity. Groups were compared with regression models using generalized estimating equation, linear, and Poisson regressions after adjusting for sites and for patients withdrawing from the study at less than 2years follow-up. Overall, AS patients with long disease duration were more likely to be married, white, receiving disability, and to be with higher functional impairment and radiographic severity, more uveitis, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis, and with less nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and more opioid use than those with short disease duration. Current smoking decreased between 2002 and 2019 regardless of disease duration. Lower baseline NSAID and methotrexate/sulfasalazine use and higher TNF inhibitor usage were seen only in those with shorter disease duration, though NSAID use and functional impairment decreased over time in both groups. Disease activity, depression scores, and NSAID use decreased and anti-TNF use increased in those followed > 8years. Patients with AS enrolling in this multicenter longitudinal cohort have different disease profiles and medication utilization over time, perhaps reflecting innovations in treatment and increasing disease awareness. Key Points • The use of NSAIDs, nonbiologic DMARDs, and prednisone has decreased over the past 16years in patients with AS. • The use of anti-TNF agents has dramatically increased. • In treated patients, disease activity, depression scores, and functional impairment have decreased over time.