Autoimmune & Rheumatology Clinical Trials Update: Week 17, 2026

Published April 24, 2026 — 5 trials covered

By Victor Lafforgue, Founder of TrialsAlert. Blog posts are AI-drafted from ClinicalTrials.gov source data and reviewed by the editorial team. See our editorial policy for details.

Immunogenicity and Safety of MenB Vaccine in Pediatric Patients With Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases

This study is looking at how safe and effective the meningococcal B vaccine is in children and teens who have autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Since these patients often have different immune responses, the trial aims to understand if the vaccine works well and is safe for them. The results could help doctors recommend better vaccination plans to keep these children protected from serious infections.

A Study to Determine the Efficacy and Safety of Deucravacitinib Compared With Placebo in Participants With Active Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) Who Are Naïve to Biologic Disease-modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs

This large, international Phase 3 trial tested deucravacitinib, an oral medication, in adults with active psoriatic arthritis who had not previously used biologic drugs. The results show promise for a new treatment that might improve symptoms and quality of life without the need for injectable therapies. This could be an important option for patients starting treatment for psoriatic arthritis.

A Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Different Doses of ELV001 to Treat Active Rheumatoid Arthritis in Patients With an Inadequate Response to Methotrexate and Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibition (START SYNERGY)

This Phase 2 trial is testing various doses of ELV001 as an add-on treatment for people with rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded well to common medications like methotrexate and TNF inhibitors. If successful, it may offer a new way to better control symptoms for patients who currently struggle with limited options. The study is recruiting participants in multiple countries including the United States and South Africa.

Apremilast Pediatric Study in Children With Active Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis

This Phase 3 trial is evaluating apremilast, an oral medicine, for children aged 5 to under 18 who have active juvenile psoriatic arthritis. If the treatment proves safe and effective, it could give young patients a new option to reduce joint pain and swelling. The trial is enrolling children at sites in Europe and South Africa, aiming to improve outcomes for this younger group.

Comparative Effectiveness of Online 8-session CBT vs. 1-Session Empowered Relief for Chronic Pain - The PROGRESS Study

This study compares two ways to help people with chronic pain, including those with lupus and pelvic pain, by using online cognitive behavioral therapy versus a single-session pain relief class. The goal is to find out if these non-drug approaches can reduce pain and improve daily life. The trial is recruiting a large number of participants in the United States and may offer new accessible pain management options.

TrialsAlert subscribers received the full impact-classified briefing and doctor-ready report this week. Get weekly briefings at trialsalert.com.