Cedars-Sinai Experts Share Rheumatology Research at Top Meeting

Cedars-Sinai physicians and scientists from the Kao Autoimmunity Institute will present new research on autoimmune and rheumatologic diseases at ACR Convergence 2026, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) annual scientific meeting, Nov. 6-11 in Orlando, Florida.

Presentations will explore advances in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a wide range of rheumatologic diseases. These chronic conditions can affect the musculoskeletal system and multiple organs, creating significant challenges for patients and clinicians.

Jon Giles, MD, MPH, director of the Inflammatory Arthritis Clinical Center at Cedars-Sinai, will present findings from a study of more than 24,000 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that cholesterol-lowering statins were underused, even among those with established cardiovascular disease. 

“Patients with rheumatoid arthritis face an increased risk of heart disease, yet too many are missing out on treatments that could help protect them,” Giles said. “These findings highlight the need for rheumatologists to work closely with cardiovascular specialists to ensure patients receive appropriate care.”

Giles is also part of the committee presenting newly developed ACR recommendations for cardiovascular disease screening and management.

Cedars-Sinai experts will be available for media interviews on rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, autoimmune-related lung disease, sarcoidosis, Sjögren’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease-associated arthritis and  cardiovascular complications of inflammatory arthritis.

Research and Clinical Highlights

• Nunzio Bottini, MD, PhD, director of the Kao Autoimmunity Institute at Cedars-Sinai, can share new research on how immune cells contribute to lung damage in rheumatoid arthritis and why some patients with autoimmune-related lung disease respond poorly to rituximab.
• Caroline Jefferies, PhD, professor of Medicine and scientific director of the Center for Research in Women's Health and Sex Differences at Cedars-Sinai, will lead a panel of experts discussing the role environmental and lifestyle factors may play in the development and progression of autoimmune diseases. 
• Mariko Ishimori, MD, associate professor of Medicine and associate director of the Clinical and Translational Research Center at Cedars-Sinai, can discuss findings from a multicenter clinical trial testing an investigational stem cell therapy in patients with severe, treatment-resistant lupus.
• Daniel Wallace, MD, professor of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai, can discuss preliminary findings from a multicenter clinical trial suggesting the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine may reduce lupus activity, fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Wallace also can discuss factors that may predict lupus flares after prolonged remission and new recommendations for diagnosing and monitoring  Sjögren’s  disease.
• Elizabeth Frame, MD, director of the Sarcoidosis Clinic and clinical chief of the Division of Rheumatology at Cedars-Sinai, will present an overview of current treatment approaches and clinical guidelines for sarcoidosis, a complex inflammatory disease that can affect multiple organs. Her presentation will also explore emerging research that could improve treatment of the condition.
• Abin Puravath, MD, a rheumatologist at Cedars-Sinai, can discuss findings on heart disease risk among patients with inflammatory bowel disease who also have ankylosing spondylitis, a form of inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine.
• Lindsy Forbess, MD, associate professor of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai, can discuss how certain blood markers may help identify people at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis before symptoms appear, potentially opening new avenues for earlier diagnosis and prevention.

Media Contact

To schedule an interview with a Cedars-Sinai expert, contact Laura Coverson at [email protected] or 310-562-1112.