News

NIH Funds Project to Speed Diagnosis of Rare Diseases

The diagnosis of rare diseases such as akylosing spondylitis (AS) is complex and often delayed. A partnership between U.S. researchers aims to use artificial intelligence to develop a software to diagnose rare diseases sooner. The four-year project, led by researchers at the University of Florida Health and the Perelman School…

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Not AS, Linked to Severe COVID-19 Risk

People with ankylosis spondylitis (AS) may not be at an increased risk of developing severe symptoms of COVID-19, according to a large U.S. study. That’s not the case, however, with those with rheumatoid arthritis, another immune-mediated disease, who were found to have a 20% higher risk of developing severe…

Genetic Analysis Identifies Potential Biomarkers to Help Diagnose AS

An analysis of genetic sequencing data has identified potential new biomarkers for diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Specifically, scientists analyzed mRNAs, or the templates used to generate a protein from DNA, and found that the levels of three — Cxcr6, IL17RA, and Lrrfip1 — were associated with disease severity and…

Restarting Taltz After Withdrawal Reduces axSpA Activity: Trial Data

Almost all people with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) who had worsening disease severity after stopping Taltz (ixekizumab) saw improvements after restarting the therapy, according to data from a Phase 3 withdrawal study. The majority (71%) reached a state of disease remission after restarting treatment. These findings provide important information about…

Group Pilates Superior to At-home Exercise for Patients in Study

An eight-week Pilates group training program for people with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) lowered disease activity, improved spine flexibility, and led to gains in endurance, balance, and quality of life, a recent study showed. Several of these benefits were not seen among those who did an individual at-home exercise program,…

Real-world Study Reveals Side Effects Linked to Cosentyx

Diarrhea, cold-like symptoms, itchy skin, and rash are the most common real-world side effects associated with Cosentyx, an approved treatment for ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a study has found. Such side effects typically emerge in the first month of using the medication, according to the analysis, which included information…

Long-term Brodalumab Treatment for axSpA Supported by Phase 3 Data

Long-term treatment with under-the-skin injections of brodalumab safely and effectively reduced disease activity in people with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), according to final data from a Phase 3 trial. axSpA is a type of chronic inflammatory arthritis affecting the joints of the spine, chest, and pelvis. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is…