EULAR highlights in axial SpA
Last week (3 to 6 June 2026), members of the NASS team attended the EULAR Congress in London to hear about the latest research and recommendations in rheumatology.
EULAR stands for the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology and is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation. It represents patients, health professionals, and scientific societies across Europe with the mission to reduce the impact of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases on society and improve the quality of life for those affected.
New research and recommendations presented brought with it encouraging developments for people living with axial SpA. We also were able to showcase our Act on Axial SpA campaign and more specifically the Axial Spondyloarthritis Playbook: reducing time to diagnosis and improving patient experience in two presentations as part of the PARE (the patient part of EULAR) programme.
It was also an opportunity for us to catch up with other patient groups and health care professionals that we work with to talk about projects we can collaborate on and how we can support each other.
One of the biggest updates is the publication of new classification criteria for axial SpA, developed by the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) and SPARTAN. Alongside this, EULAR has updated its recommendations on the use of imaging, such as MRI scans, to help diagnose and monitor the condition. These changes aim to support earlier and more accurate diagnosis, helping people access appropriate treatment sooner.
Researchers also presented new evidence showing that inflammation may play a key role in the long-term progression of radiographic axial SpA. Understanding what drives disease progression could help doctors identify people at greater risk of spinal damage and tailor treatment more effectively.
Another area of focus was how disease activity is measured. EULAR continues to support the use of the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) to help clinicians assess how active the disease is and whether treatment changes may be needed. Better monitoring can help ensure that people receive the right treatment at the right time.
Beyond medication, EULAR has updated its recommendations on physical activity for people with inflammatory arthritis. Regular exercise remains an important part of managing axial SpA, helping to maintain mobility, reduce symptoms, and support overall wellbeing.
These developments reflect a growing focus on earlier diagnosis, personalised care, and improving long-term outcomes for people living with axial spondyloarthritis. For patients, the message is clear: research continues to improve our understanding of the condition and how best to manage it.
You can read all of the press releases relating to key new evidence and recommendations in rheumatology from the EULAR Congress on their website: