The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) annual meeting – ACR Convergence 2022 – takes place this week (November 10-14) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We sat down with Dr. Jeff Stark, Head of Medical Immunology, U.S., UCB and Dr. John Ioannou, Head of Global Medical Affairs, Rheumatology, UCB, to hear more about the meeting and UCB’s presence.

What can you tell us about ACR Convergence 2022?

Jeff Stark, MD: “ACR Convergence 2022 is one of the most highly anticipated meetings in the 2022 rheumatology calendar, offering an innovative experience to attendees. For the first time in three years, delegates can attend this year’s meeting either in person, with all the opportunities for discussions through direct interaction, or they can view content virtually and on demand. The scientific program, with presentations led by worldwide rheumatology experts, includes the highest impact research that will challenge current thinking and medical practice. We look forward to meeting our friends and colleagues in-person to present new research, discuss new findings, and experience the latest updates in rheumatology.”

Can you share more about UCB’s presence at ACR Convergence 2022?

John Ioannou, MD, Ph.D: “UCB is excited and proud to have a strong scientific presence at ACR Convergence 2022, with 15 accepted abstracts across our portfolio, including late-breaking data in psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis. Our abstracts have been accepted as four oral presentations, eight e-posters, and three ‘Ignite Talks,’ which are five-minute, in-person poster presentations dedicated to the highest-ranked posters at the meeting. We are also hosting a medical symposium — Rheum for Improvement: axial SpA and PsA — where a distinguished faculty of leading rheumatologists will discuss treatment landscapes, treatment targets, and strategies that can improve patient care in axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis.” 

What can healthcare professionals expect to experience at the UCB medical booth?

Jeff Stark, MD: “We look forward to welcoming healthcare professionals to the UCB medical booth, where our colleagues will be pleased to interact and answer questions. We are also excited to introduce healthcare professionals to a tour of the RheuMuseum, the theme of our medical booth, where they can explore a series of engaging exhibits on psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis that delve into the clinical manifestations, immunobiology, and cytokine pathways.”

What do you see as the future of rheumatology?

Jeff Stark, MD: “Tremendous advances have been made in rheumatology and the management of chronic, inflammatory conditions such as psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis. However, we still need to understand how these diseases can be identified, diagnosed, and treated earlier. Ultimately, our goal is to create a brighter future for people living with rheumatic diseases — shaped by a deeper understanding of patients’ needs — and to apply new clinical knowledge to meet the specific needs of each individual.” 

John Ioannou, MD, Ph.D.: “These are exciting times for rheumatology. A deeper understanding of the pathophysiology behind conditions such as psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis has allowed scientists to develop innovative approaches to disease management. At UCB we continue our commitment to a future of ongoing research to find innovative solutions, with the goal of elevating the standard of care and optimizing outcomes for people living with chronic rheumatic diseases.”

Jeff, if you had one final message for the audience what would it be?

Jeff Stark, MD: “ACR Convergence 2022 promises to be a stimulating meeting with multiple learning experiences to expand our collective knowledge. At this meeting and beyond, we look forward to continuing our collaboration with the rheumatology community so that together we can deliver innovative new solutions that put patient needs at the center. We look forward to meeting you in person in Philadelphia.”  

You can stay up to date on the latest UCB news at ACR Convergence 2022 through our social media channels (Twitter, LinkedIn).

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