Axial spondyloarthritis, or axSpA, is a spectrum of disease comprised of both non-radiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA) and radiographic axSpA, also known as ankylosing spondylitis (AS). In nr-axSpA, inflammation in the joints that connect the pelvis and spine, known as sacroiliac joints, does not show up on x-ray. Over time, some nr-axSpA patients can progress to AS, a condition in which structural damage is irreversible and detectable by x-ray. Nr-axSpA and AS share similar symptoms and burden of disease, which include severe pain, stiffness, and fatigue.[1]

Nr-axSpA requires early diagnosis followed by appropriate treatment, yet the journey to diagnosis averages 5-8 years.[2]^.[3] Historically, nr-axSpA has not been well recognized for a number of reasons, including difficulty distinguishing patients with mechanical vs. inflammatory back pain, absence of diagnostic criteria, and variability of disease manifestations and clinical presentation.[3]

With that in mind, UCB is committed to shortening the path to patient diagnosis, as we understand time is precious and often limited for many patients.

During the past 3 years, we have been working in partnership with professional rheumatology organizations and patient advocacy groups soliciting the ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee to create new ICD-10 codes specific to the diagnosis of nr-axSpA. We were thrilled when earlier this year, the Committee endorsed the creation of a new sub-category (M45.A) for nr-axSpA, effective Oct. 1, 2021, validating nr-axSpA as a separate, established and legitimate condition. These highly specific diagnostic codes allow for more accurate identification of patients in real-world clinical databases, making this a huge victory for the patients we serve.

Additionally, UCB is creating new digital resources to support earlier recognition and timely referral of their patients who may be at risk for axSpA. Earlier this year, the UCB Ecosystem team introduced the axSpA-ID query set, designed to be used with Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, which uses a customizable, clinical criteria set to help identify patients who may have a higher likelihood of axSpA. AxSpA-ID is designed to be a resource for practices to potentially help decrease time to diagnosis for axSpA patients and improve patient care and outcomes.

UCB is inspired by patients and driven by science, and we persevere through challenges to deliver life-changing treatments for patients. This would not be possible without listening to and learning from patients, leveraging revolutionary technology and science, and collaborating with the rheumatology community.

We look forward to continuing to work with the rheumatology community to create new and meaningful ways to collaborate, so we can forge new solutions that put patient needs at the center. Because only together can we make a difference.

For more information on nr-axSpA, listen to our Joint Perspectives podcast.

^[1] Rudwaleit M et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;60(3):717–727

^[2] Masson Behar V et al. Joint Bone Spine. 2017;84(4):467–471

^[3] Seo MR et al. Clin Rheumatol. 2015;34(8):1397–1405.