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Rheumatoid Arthritis

All articles tagged with #rheumatoid arthritis

CD19 CAR T therapy yields B cell depletion and clinical improvement in refractory seropositive RA (phase 1)
medicine12 days ago

CD19 CAR T therapy yields B cell depletion and clinical improvement in refractory seropositive RA (phase 1)

In a nonrandomized phase 1 COMPARE trial, six adults with treatment-refractory seropositive RA received a single infusion of autologous CD19 CAR T cells (mivocabtagene autoleucel) after lymphodepletion. Safety was acceptable: cytokine release syndrome was limited to grade 1–2 in all patients, with no ICANS and only one dose-limiting transaminase elevation that resolved. CD19+ B cell depletion occurred systemically, accompanied by seroconversion or reduction of autoantibodies (ACPAs and RF IgM) in most participants. Clinically, disease activity improved in all patients (median 34% DAS28-CRP reduction; remission and ACR70 responses observed in several participants). These early results support further phase 2 evaluation of CD19 CAR T cells for refractory RA.

Rheumatoid arthritis drug shows promise for regrowing hair in alopecia areata
health19 days ago

Rheumatoid arthritis drug shows promise for regrowing hair in alopecia areata

A phase 3 trial found that the JAK inhibitor upadacitinib, used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, regrew hair in about half to just over half of participants with severe alopecia areata within 24 weeks, with 80% scalp coverage achievable at the 30 mg dose. Eyebrows and eyelashes also improved, and participants reported better emotional and social well-being. The drug is approved for severe alopecia areata in Europe and is under FDA review in the U.S.; longer-term safety and durability data are still needed to inform routine use.

Plant-derived compound slows rheumatoid arthritis in rats by rebalancing fatty acid metabolism
health-and-medicine1 month ago

Plant-derived compound slows rheumatoid arthritis in rats by rebalancing fatty acid metabolism

A plant-derived compound called obakulactone (OL) alleviates arthritis symptoms and joint damage in a rat model of RA by promoting ACOT1 degradation via the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway, correcting disrupted unsaturated fatty acid metabolism, and modulating immune cells and inflammatory signals. The study identifies ACOT1 as a potential drug target and suggests a new preclinical strategy for RA, though its safety and efficacy in humans remain to be tested.

Tragedy sparks a breakthrough in treating inflammation with nerve stimulation
health3 months ago

Tragedy sparks a breakthrough in treating inflammation with nerve stimulation

A 1985 death of a baby in the hands of neurosurgeon Kevin Tracey propelled him to study inflammation, culminating in the FDA-approved SetPoint System—a small neck implant that stimulates the vagus nerve for one minute daily to dampen inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients, offering dramatic relief for many while facing ongoing insurance denials; Tracey sees this as the dawn of bioelectronic medicine and a potential path to other inflammatory diseases.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: More Than Joint Pain—Spotting the Early Signs
health3 months ago

Rheumatoid Arthritis: More Than Joint Pain—Spotting the Early Signs

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease marked by joint pain, morning stiffness, swelling, and fatigue; early diagnosis and treatment with DMARDs and biologics, along with physical therapy, regular movement, sleep, stress management, and an anti-inflammatory diet, can slow progression and protect joints, though symptoms can wax and wane and may include mood changes and other systemic effects.

Scar-Driven Fibrosis Emerges as Target for Treatment-Resistant Rheumatoid Arthritis
health4 months ago

Scar-Driven Fibrosis Emerges as Target for Treatment-Resistant Rheumatoid Arthritis

A Nature Immunology study using spatial transcriptomics reveals that persistent scar formation (fibrosis) and disrupted fibroblast–endothelial signaling in RA joints may drive treatment resistance even when inflammation is controlled, pointing to a new fibrosis-focused therapeutic target for patients who don’t respond to standard therapies.

Plant-Derived Molecule Rebalances Fat Metabolism to Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis
health4 months ago

Plant-Derived Molecule Rebalances Fat Metabolism to Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis

Obakulactone (OL), a natural compound from Phellodendri cortex, promotes degradation of ACOT1 via the ubiquitin–proteasome system, restoring unsaturated fatty acid balance and reducing inflammation in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis. The study reported OL lowered inflammatory cytokines and autoantibody markers, shifted macrophages toward anti-inflammatory states, and inhibited synovial fibroblast growth, with direct ACOT1 binding (Kd ~6 μM), suggesting a novel metabolic-targeted approach for RA treatment.

Brief Abatacept Therapy Delays Rheumatoid Arthritis Onset for Years
health4 months ago

Brief Abatacept Therapy Delays Rheumatoid Arthritis Onset for Years

A long-term analysis from King’s College London shows that a 12-month course of abatacept in people at high risk of rheumatoid arthritis can delay disease onset by up to four years, with benefits persisting after treatment ends; strongest effects were in those at highest risk identified by specific autoantibodies, and while the therapy does not permanently prevent RA, early immune modulation may lessen future symptom burden and support preventive strategies, with safety comparable to placebo.

Methotrexate May Lower Blood Pressure, Shield Heart Health in RA Patients
health6 months ago

Methotrexate May Lower Blood Pressure, Shield Heart Health in RA Patients

A Flinders University–led study finds methotrexate, a long-used rheumatoid arthritis drug, lowers systolic blood pressure by about 7.4 mmHg in newly diagnosed RA patients compared with sulfasalazine, a reduction that could meaningfully reduce risk of heart attack and stroke. The blood-pressure drop did not track with improvements in joint symptoms or arterial stiffness, suggesting other pathways (such as reduced systemic inflammation) may be involved. Genetic factors may help predict who benefits most, paving the way for personalized therapy, though more research is needed.

How a 78-Year-Old Turned Back the Clock with Seven Simple Exercise Steps
health6 months ago

How a 78-Year-Old Turned Back the Clock with Seven Simple Exercise Steps

Linda Green, 78, started regular exercise at 75 after moving to Ledian Gardens and, in three years, achieved a biological age of 51, improved strength, balance, metabolism and cardiovascular function, and was able to come off steroids for her 20‑year rheumatoid arthritis. She credits seven steps: start small; make exercise part of a routine; mix different activities; tailor training to you; track progress (via the building’s E-Gym); maintain balance with nutrition; and use exercise to rebuild confidence and social belonging. Her story shows it’s never too late to start and that guided programs and community support can transform health.

Paving the Way to Prevent RA: Researchers Target a Hidden Preclinical Window
health7 months ago

Paving the Way to Prevent RA: Researchers Target a Hidden Preclinical Window

Rheumatoid arthritis has no cure, but researchers are identifying a preclinical window years before joint swelling to predict who will develop RA using autoantibodies (RF and anti-CCP) and clues from mucosal sites, and they’re testing preventive treatments in trials with immune drugs to delay or prevent the disease—though no approved prevention exists yet. Key challenges include accurately predicting progression and recruiting suitable participants.

Anti-Inflammatory Diets May Lower Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk, Large Analysis Finds
health7 months ago

Anti-Inflammatory Diets May Lower Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk, Large Analysis Finds

A meta-analysis of 12 studies involving more than 270,000 adults found that following a healthy overall diet pattern—especially anti-inflammatory patterns like the Mediterranean diet and the Healthy Eating Index—is associated with a lower risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. While not a guaranteed prevention or cure, consistent adherence to these eating patterns may reduce risk, potentially through reduced chronic inflammation and favorable effects on the microbiome. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Silent Onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis Detected Years Before Symptoms
health11 months ago

Silent Onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis Detected Years Before Symptoms

Scientists have discovered that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) begins years before symptoms appear, with changes in immune system profiles detectable in at-risk individuals. Elevated autoantibodies like ACPA and RF can predict RA development, but not all with these antibodies develop the disease. Recent research highlights immune system alterations, such as increased inflammatory proteins and activated B and T cells, in individuals before clinical symptoms emerge, offering potential for early detection and preventive therapies. These findings could lead to interventions that prevent or mitigate RA progression.