Common arthritis drugs reduce systemic Sjögren's disease activity in 24 weeks

Article excerpt

A clinical trial coordinated by UMC Utrecht found that leflunomide and hydroxychloroquine, two existing anti-rheumatic drugs, reduced systemic Sjögren's disease activity in patients over 24 weeks. The combination marks the first effective and affordable treatment option for patients with moderate-to-severe disease. Both drugs are already widely available, making them accessible alternatives to more expensive therapies. The treatment maintained a favorable safety profile, suggesting a practical path forward for a disease that has lacked reliable therapeutic options.