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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Du-Moxibustion in a Mouse Model of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Published on: October 27, 2023
Update on biologic therapy in the management of axial spondyloarthritis
Frank Heldmann1, Friedrich Dybowski, Ertan Saracbasi-Zender
1Rheumazentrum Ruhrgebiet, Landgrafenstrasse 15, 44652, Herne, Germany. heldmann@rheumazentrum-ruhrgebiet.de
Abstract:
Axial spondyloarthritis, which includes ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic spondyloarthritis, is an important subtype of the spondyloarthritides. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists are effective therapies for this partially heterogeneous group of rheumatic diseases in terms of signs, symptoms, and functioning, but they do not seem to substantially inhibit radiographic progression, which is mainly new bone formation in ankylosing spondylitis. However, they clearly reduce inflammation, as shown by MRI. TNF blockers are also efficacious in the treatment of extraspinal features of spondyloarthritis. In addition, evidence indicates that anti-TNF therapy works well in early axial disease. Other biologics are currently being investigated, as alternatives are needed for patients who fail anti-TNF therapy.
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