Improving Recognition and Outcomes in Vasculitis, with Anisha Dua, MD

Vasculitis has historically been one of the most daunting areas in rheumatology—rare diseases, complex presentations, and for many years, limited therapeutic options beyond prolonged glucocorticoid use. But at the 2026 Rheumatology Winter Clinical Symposium, held in Maui, Hawaii, on February 11–14, Anisha Dua, MD, MPH, Professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, made clear that the field has entered a markedly different era. In her sessions focusing on polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), giant cell arteritis (GCA), and Takayasu arteritis, Dua highlighted how rapidly expanding treatment options are reshaping both physician confidence and patient outcomes.^1,2

Across multiple vasculitis subtypes, particularly ANCA-associated vasculitis, recent years have brought a wave of new drug approvals and targeted therapies, such as 2025’s United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of upadacitinib (Rinvoq) for GCA.³ Instead of relying almost exclusively on high-dose steroids, clinicians now have multiple mechanisms to consider and the ability to switch strategies when one approach fails. Just as importantly, treatment decisions can increasingly account for patient-specific comorbidities, balancing efficacy with safety in a way that was far more difficult in the past.

In an interview with RheumatologyLive, Dua emphasized that this therapeutic progress is especially impactful given the rarity and severity of these diseases. Vasculitis patients often face delayed diagnosis, uncertainty, and limited peer support because of how uncommon their conditions are. Earlier recognition, driven by education efforts and broader awareness, combined with a growing therapeutic armamentarium, offers the potential not just to control inflammation, but to prevent irreversible organ damage.

She also pointed to the importance of patient advocacy and education resources, noting that organizations such as the Vasculitis Foundation play a critical role in supporting individuals navigating these complex diagnoses. As research continues to refine disease classification, biomarkers, and treatment selection, the goal is not only better control, but faster intervention and long-term damage prevention.

“Across the vasculidites, especially in the ANCA vasculidites, there have been multiple recent drug approvals. We have options. We can switch our patients from one thing to another if it's not working, and we can actually take comorbidities into consideration when we're picking drugs, and we're not just using steroids. So I think it's just a really, honestly, exciting time in vasculitis,” Dua said.

Dua’s reported disclosures include AbbVie, American College of Rheumatology (ACR), Amgen, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), and Sanofi Genzyme.

References

1. Dua A. Evidence based medicine: Progress in the diagnosis and treatment of vasculitides. Presented at: RWCS 2026, held February 11-14 in Maui, Hawaii.

2. Dua A. Evidence based medicine: Vasculitis adjacent conditions: what’s new? Presented at: RWCS 2026, held February 11-14 in Maui, Hawaii.

3. Johnson V. FDA Approves Upadacitinib, Expanding Treatment for Adults With Giant Cell Arteritis. Aritcle. RheumatologyLive. January 8, 2026. https://www.rheum-live.com/view/fda-approves-upadacitinib-expanding-treatment-for-adults-with-giant-cell-arthritis