Focus on Rheumatoid Arthritis: September 2021

The EC approved upadacitinib for active polyarticular JIA in children 2 years and older, based on phase 1 SELECT-YOUTH efficacy and safety data.

August 2026 rheumatology highlights include FDA approval of brepocitinib for dermatomyositis and garetosmab-grts for FOP, and new trial data.

In RA-BRIDGE and RA-BRANCH, baricitinib failed to demonstrate VTE noninferiority in patients with RA enriched for thromboembolic risk factors.

A Phase 2a basket trial produced ACR50 responses in 71% of refractory RA patients at 6 months.