Immunology Treatment Advancements Highlighted at EULAR 2026

By João L. Carapinha

June 1, 2026

Immunology Treatment Advancements

Immunology Treatment Advancements are accelerating as Novartis prepares to unveil data from 31 abstracts at the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) Congress, June 3-6, 2026 in London. The presentations focus on high-burden autoimmune diseases where current options still leave substantial unmet need, according to Novartis’ EULAR 2026 portfolio update.

REPLENISH Trial Redefines Polymyalgia Rheumatica Care

The largest global Phase III trial ever conducted in polymyalgia rheumatica delivers new Cosentyx (secukinumab) results through an oral presentation. Week 52 subgroup analyses from the multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study provide granular insight into which patients derive greatest benefit. Pooled efficacy and safety data from the NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2 Phase 3 program plus extension demonstrate ianalumab’s sustained performance in Sjögren’s disease through 108 weeks. Phase 2 results further reveal consistent subcutaneous ianalumab activity in systemic lupus erythematosus after B-cell recovery.

CAR-T Cell Therapy Signals in Refractory Disease

Open-label AUTOGRAPH-IIM and –SSC studies report encouraging safety and early efficacy signals for rap-cel (rapcabtagene autoleucel, YTB323) in severe refractory idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Twenty-four-month Phase 1/2 data in refractory lupus add clinical, cellular, pharmacodynamic, and biomarker evidence of lasting impact.

Leadership Perspective on Immunology Treatment Advancements

Angelika Jahreis, Global Head of Immunology Development at Novartis, underscored the company’s deliberate strategy spanning small molecules, biologics, and CAR-T cell therapy. The portfolio deliberately targets conditions where transformative patient outcomes remain most achievable. These Immunology Treatment Advancements document clinically meaningful results in polymyalgia rheumatica, Sjögren’s disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis. The breadth of Phase 3, extension, and early CAR-T data supplies robust material for Health Economics and Outcomes Research, market access, and reimbursement deliberations. This consistent trajectory across modalities reinforces Novartis’ commitment to diseases with the highest remaining burden. The generated evidence sets a foundation for broader therapeutic adoption and future health-economic evaluations that can improve patient access to transformative care.

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