Vasculitis trials

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis (AAV) has been transformed from a largely fatal condition to a chronic relapsing disorder following the introduction of cyclophosphamide and glucocorticoids 40 years ago. Despite…

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) (formerly Wegner’s granulomatosis), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and eosininophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (eGPA) (formerly Churg Strauss Syndrome (CSS)) are primary systemic vasculitides,…

Rheumatoid arthritis is a multi-system, autoimmune disease characterised by progressive inflammation and destruction of synovial joints and extra-articular structures. In recent decades, the natural history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has…

Autoimmune diseases are common, chronic and often severe. Both the diseases and the toxic therapy often required for them have substantial morbidity and mortality. As autoimmune diseases are complex, clinical classification of them is poor and…

There is a clear need for improved therapy in ANCA associated vasculitis where current treatments are toxic and contribute to poor outcomes. Conventional therapy combines cyclophosphamide with prednisolone but is associated with severe adverse…

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s) (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) are syndromes of primary systemic vasculitis associated with anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies (ANCA). Together, these syndromes are grouped as ANCA-…

Rituximab is an established induction agent in AAV, especially for those with relapsing disease. Its role as a maintenance agent is less clear. 50% will pursue a chronic relapsing course with 77% relapsing a second time within 2 years of a single…