Preliminary results of CD19/BCMA Dual-Targeting FasTCAR-T Cells GC012F (AZD0120) in patients with refractory Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-an open-label, single-arm study
Abstract format and assignment number: Oral presentation OP0074
Date: Wednesday, 11 June, 16:40-16:50
Presenting author: Q. Fu (China)
The authors presented early data on GC012F, a dual-targeting CD19/BCMA CAR-T cell therapy, in patients with refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In a phase I investigator-initiated trial, GC012F achieved complete B cell depletion and sustained clinical remission (DORIS) in 9 out of 10 patients at 9 months. Treatment was well tolerated, with only mild to moderate cytokine release syndrome reported. Most patients showed normalisation of complement, seroconversion of autoantibodies, and significant reduction in proteinuria. These results highlight GC012F’s potential as a safe and effective therapeutic strategy in severe, treatment-resistant SLE.
The notion of “Lupus under control” is not an aligned concept amongst patients
Abstract format and assignment number: Oral presentation OP0075
Date: Wednesday, 11 June, 16:50 – 17:00
Presenting author: E. Wijsma (Netherlands)
The authors explored the concept of “lupus under control” among 4,360 European patients with SLE. While 66.5% reported their lupus as controlled, responses varied widely, with no single definition reaching majority agreement. The most frequent indicators were normal blood tests (41%), no flares for 6+ months (36%), and stable medication (36%). Only 47.6% of respondents considered their current disease state satisfactory, highlighting a disconnect between clinical disease control and patient-perceived well-being. These findings emphasise the need for a patient-centered definition of disease control and improved patient–physician communication in lupus care.
Achievement Of Low Disease Activity And Remission In Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Treated With Dapirolizumab Pegol: 48-week Results From A Phase 3 Trial
Abstract format and assignment number: Oral presentation OP0201
Date: Thursday, 12 June, 11:00 – 11:10
Presenting author: E. Morand (Australia)
In the phase 3 PHOENYCS GO trial, dapirolizumab pegol (DZP), a novel anti-CD40L Fab’, was evaluated in SLE patients with active disease despite standard therapy. At Week 48, more patients receiving DZP+SOC achieved LLDAS (40.9% vs 19.6%) and DORIS remission (19.2% vs 8.4%) compared to placebo. DZP also led to more frequent and sustained low disease activity over time. These results suggest DZP may help patients achieve key treatment goals and improve long-term outcomes in SLE.
IMPROVED EFFICACY AND SAFETY OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE) TREATED WITH BELIMUMAB (BEL) VERSUS IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS (IS), IN ADDITION TO ANTIMALARIALS (AM) AND GLUCOCORTICOIDS (GC): A POST HOC SUMMARY OF FIVE PHASE 3 TRIALS
Abstract format and assignment number: Poster POS0319
Date: Friday, 13 June, 09:42 – 09:48
Presenting author: M. Gatto (Italy)
The authors pooled data from five phase 3 trials to assess the efficacy and safety of initiating belimumab (BEL) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients not previously treated with immunosuppressants (IS). Compared to patients on IS at baseline, those who received BEL alongside standard therapy showed higher SRI-4 response rates, fewer flares, and greater reductions in glucocorticoid use over 52 weeks. Adverse events and serious adverse events were also less frequent in the BEL group. These findings support earlier initiation of BEL without prior IS exposure in patients inadequately controlled with antimalarials and glucocorticoids, in line with the 2023 EULAR recommendations.
Quadruple antiphospholipid antibody positivity is associated with accrual damage in antiphospholipid syndrome patients
Abstract format and assignment number: Poster POS1138
Date: Friday, 13 June, 14:45 – 15:45
Presenting author: A. Hoxha (Italy)
This study explored the role of phosphatidylserine/prothrombin antibodies (aPS/PT) in accrual damage among 143 patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). IgG aPS/PT was associated with arterial and venous thrombosis, while both IgG and IgM aPS/PT correlated with microvascular and valvular involvement. Although triple and quadruple aPL positivity were linked to damage accrual, only quadruple positivity showed a significant 4-fold increased risk. These findings support the relevance of aPS/PT antibodies and expanded aPL profiles in risk stratification for APS.
Skin involvement in the catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome (CAPS): Prevalence, clinical manifestations, histopathological features, correlation with antibody profile and mortality
Abstract format and assignment number: Poster POS1132
Date: Friday, 13 June, 14:45 – 15:45
Presenting author: A. Ponce (Spain)
Among 875 CAPS episodes, skin involvement occurred in 43.1%, most often as livedo, necrosis, or ulcers. These patients had more organ involvement and thrombotic microangiopathy, with stronger aPL profiles. Despite more severe clinical features, mortality was lower in those with skin manifestations. Skin signs may aid early diagnosis and stratification in CAPS.
The Prevalence of major bleeding at delivery in pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus is low-prospective cohort s study
Abstract format and assignment number: Poster POS1182
Date: Saturday, 14 June, 10:15 – 11:45
Presenting author: A. Antovic (Serbia)
In a cohort of 74 pregnant women with SLE, major bleeding (MB) at delivery occurred in 8.3% of cases. MB was more frequent in patients with longer disease duration, lupus nephritis, and proteinuria at conception. Most pregnant women received low-dose acetylsalicylic acid. LMWH use was higher among those with MB. No MB occurred in patients with preeclampsia. Despite antithrombotic prophylaxis, MB risk remained low overall.
Cathy Melong Taleng
Country: Cameroon/Kenya/Switzerland
Cathy Melong Taleng is a Rheumatologist and clinical researcher based at Mater Misericordiae Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. Her main interests include musculoskeletal ultrasound and lupus research. She is also actively involved in international rheumatology networks and medical education.
Cathy is a member of the EMEUNET Peer Mentoring Sub-Committee and serves as Chair of the Young African Rheumatologists (YARN) sub-committee by the African League of Associations for Rheumatology (AFLAR).