A new study that validates the use of the Lupus Low Disease Activity State as a treatment outcome in systemic lupus erythematosus clinical trials is one of the highly-rated abstracts that will be presented in the third Plenary Session at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology on Tuesday, Oct. 23.
The prospective, multicenter validation study, to be presented by Vera Golder, MBBS, of Monash University in Melbourne, builds on the results of previously reported studies using the Lupus Low Disease Activity State as a treatment target at EULAR this year and at last year’s International Congress on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
Among other presentations in the session will be the results of the PEXIVAS trial. Peter A. Merkel, MD, of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, will present findings from the randomized trial assessing oral glucocorticoid use and plasma exchange in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis. The results have been highly anticipated as being among several research efforts to support reduction of corticosteroids in these patients.
In addition, attendees will hear results of a phase 3 study of apremilast for the treatment of oral ulcers in patients with Behçet’s syndrome. In the study, presented by Gulen Hatemi, MD, of Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul, benefits of the drug were sustained for 28 weeks. Findings from a phase 2 study were reported in 2015.