The EULAR European Congress of Rheumatology is the primary platform for exchange of scientific and clinical information in Europe. It seeks to provide a forum of the highest standard for scientific, educational and social exchange between professionals involved in rheumatology. It also incorporates liaising with patient organizations in order to achieve progress in the clinical care of people with rheumatic diseases.
The EULAR Congress attracts over 18,000 delegates from more than 130 countries and takes place in a major European city. This year, the EULAR Congress will take place in London, England from June 3 to 6.
Below is a list of Arthritis Research Canada’s presentations at the 2026 EULAR European Congress of Rheumatology.
Conference Day 1
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Oral Presentations
Serum IgG4:IgG ratio in participants with and without flare: an exploratory analysis of a phase 2a study of rilzabrutinib in participants with IgG4-related disease. Oral Presentation #: OP055
Research Team: Baker M, Della Torre E, Carruthers M, Stone JH, Choi J, Mannent L, Hagino O.
This study found that people with Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4 disease) whose disease was well controlled without any flares while taking a new drug called rilzabrutinib had large decreases in harmful IgG4 protein levels, while those whose disease flared did not, with a lesser effect on other antibody production necessary for immune response to infections. This study supports the expected mechanism of action of rilzabrutinib in controlling disease activity by selectively affecting IgG4 and that assessing IgG4 blood levels can be useful to track treatment response. A larger multinational controlled trial is underway to confirm those findings.
Glucocorticoids in giant cell arteritis: changes in treatment regimens and associated toxicity in real life: a national study based on the French health insurance database. Poster #: OP0121
Research Team: Beydon M, Lacaille D, Fautrel B, Seror R, Hajage D, Tubach F
Summary: This large nationwide study in France looked at people with giant cell arteritis and how much glucocorticosteroid (i.e., prednisone) treatment they received during the first two years following their diagnosis, and what side effects occurred. The authors found that in recent years, use of high-doses for prolonged periods is less frequent, while use of steroid-sparing treatments such as methotrexate and tocilizumab increased; however, overall steroid exposure in the first two years after diagnosis still remained high. They also found that using more steroid was associated with a greater risk of serious side effects, including infections, heart problems, fractures, and death. Even lower daily doses increased risk when used for long periods of time.
Dietary interventions in psoriatic arthritis (dipsa): a randomized controlled clinical trial. Oral Presentation #: OP070
Research Team: Eder L, Shahab S, Hopkins-Gillespie S, Bumbulis L, Emandoilidis H, Compher C, Scher JU, Gladman D, Cook R, Chandran V, Ogdie A.
Summary: This randomized trial studied whether different diets improve arthritis symptoms in overweight or obese people with active psoriatic arthritis. Patients were assigned to either a Mediterranean diet, a low-calorie diet aimed at weight loss, or standard dietary advice. All groups lost a modest amount of weight and had improvements in disease activity, pain, fatigue, and joint symptoms over 24 weeks; however, no diet was clearly superior to the others. The study found that greater weight loss was linked to greater improvement in symptoms. This shows that weight reduction itself helps to reduce psoriatic arthritis activity regardless of the specific diet followed.
Glp-1 receptor agonists to facilitate weight loss and improve disease activity, pain and function in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease: real-world evidence from the rheumatology informatics system for effectiveness (rise) registry. Oral Presentation #: OP0112
Research Team: McCormick N, Zhang J, Holladay EE, Soares de Moura C, Xie F, Mehta T, Curtis JR.
This large study using data collected as part of routine clinical care looked at people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases who were prescribed weight-loss medications called GLP-1 drugs – semaglutide and tirzepatide. Both medications were widely used and led to meaningful weight loss over time, with tirzepatide generally producing greater weight loss than semaglutide. People without diabetes lost more weight than people with diabetes, and weight loss leveled off after about a year. Ongoing work is evaluating the effect of these drugs on arthritis outcomes.
Poster View Presentations
Disease burden and comorbidities in patients with psoriatic arthritis and concomitant obesity – a pooled analysis of three clinical trials. Poster #: POS0460
Research Team: Mease PJ, Sheesh M, Bello Vega N, Ngantcha M, Eder L, Sewerin P, Coates LC
Summary: This study found that people with psoriatic arthritis who were overweight or had obesity had more severe joint disease, worse symptoms, and more related health conditions like diabetes and heart disease than people with a healthy weight. Overall, higher body weight was linked to greater disease burden and poorer overall health. This highlights the importance of addressing overall health alongside joint disease.
The combo study: a randomized trial of deucravacitinib-tnf inhibitor combination therapy versus tnf inhibitor monotherapy in difficult-to-control psoriatic disease. Poster #: POS0499
Research Team: Merola JF, Garfinkel V, Gottlieb AB, Scher JU, Siegel E, Perez-Chada L, Eder L, Ogdie A, Reddy SM, Ritshlin CT, Proft F, Rivoal M, Dahan S, Vritzali E, Jou YM, Mease PJ.
Summary: This describes a planned clinical trial in people with psoriatic arthritis who are only partially responding to TNF inhibitor treatment. It will test whether adding a second medication called deucravacitinib improves joint and skin disease control compared to continuing on TNF inhibitor alone. The trial will also assess safety, symptoms, quality of life, and other health measures. This future research will inform a new combination treatment approach for harder-to-treat psoriatic arthritis.
Patient partnership to enhance independent living for people with arthritis. Poster #: POS0656
Research Team: Proulx L, Gewurtz R, Sohanian M, Backman C, Banfield J, Cairns B, Flynn T, Haagard A, McKinnon A, Russon N, Toupin-April K, Wilhelm L, Amina S.
Summary: This patient-led study explored everyday challenges faced by people with arthritis and how they adapt using assistive devices and practical solutions. It brought together patients, clinicians, and designers to identify unmet needs and develop priorities for independent living. Workshops highlighted the importance of inclusive design, peer support, accessible information, and involving people with lived experience in creating solutions. Overall, this study highlighted that combining lived experience with research and community collaboration can improve accessibility, independence, and participation for people living with arthritis.