News

Long-standing Link Between AS and HLA-B27 Explained

Some immune T-cells that react to microbial proteins also target normal human proteins in people who carry HLA-B27 variants, the strongest genetic risk factor contributing to ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a study revealed. The shape of the protein fragments targeted by the immune T-cells, whether human or bacterial, was almost…

Plans Afoot to Create Algorithm That Predicts Treatment Responses

The biotech company Girihlet will collaborate with Mayo Clinic to develop an algorithm that evaluates the effects of immune-suppressing treatments in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), Girihlet announced. Under the so-called “know-how agreement,” Girihlet will use its proprietary ImmuneScanner technology to monitor changes in immune T-cells…

Evidence for Most AS Blood Biomarkers Weak: Umbrella Review

Platelet counts and blood levels of inflammatory proteins interleukin-23 (IL-23) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) were identified as the strongest potential non-genetic biomarkers of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in a recent umbrella review study. The study, which looked at 43 previously identified biomarkers, found the evidence was weak for most others. The…

AVT02, an Humira Biosimilar, Approved in Australia to Treat AS

AVT02, a high-concentration and low-volume biosimilar to AbbVie’s Humira (adalimumab), was approved by health regulators in Australia to treat inflammatory disorders such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS). A biosimilar is a biological medicine with a high degree of similarity — in terms of quality, safety, and efficacy —…

Bimekizumab Shows Symptom Improvements in Phase 3 Trials

One year of UCB Biopharm‘s investigational therapy bimekizumab, administered subcutaneously (under the skin) once every four weeks, resulted in sustained improvement in the signs and symptoms of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), according to late-breaking data from two BE MOBILE Phase 3 clinical trials. axSpA is a type of inflammatory…

Early Anti-TNF Therapy May Raise Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in AS

Early initiation of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) medications may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events in people with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a study suggests. “We designed the study with the overall hypothesis that the use of TNF inhibitors, which reduce inflammation and thus cardiovascular risk,…

Online Yoga May Help Relieve Pain, Boost Mental Health in AS: Study

Engaging in online yoga classes, or tele-yoga, may help people with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) relieve pain, overcome some functional limitations, and improve their mental health, a study from India suggests. The study, “Tele-yoga in the management of ankylosing spondylitis amidst COVID pandemic: A prospective randomized controlled trial,” was…

Motto Launches Virtual Care App for Autoimmune Diseases

Motto Health has launched an all-in-one virtual health platform to expand access to comprehensive rheumatology care for people with chronic autoimmune conditions, including ankylosing spondylitis . The new app offers virtual rheumatology clinic visits, personalized lifestyle coaching, and symptom tracking, all with the goal of closing the existing…