Program outline now available!
The APLAR 2026 official program is scheduled in the South Korea time zone (UTC+9). To check the program times in your location, use a time zone converter.
As more information becomes available – this page will be updated so please make sure to check back regularly.
Program is best viewed on a desktop or large landscape screen.
Congress Travel Grants
APLAR will award 50 need-based travel stipends to AYR members, covering part of their travel and lodging expenses along with complimentary conference registration.
Cell key:
Industry
Main Program
Poster Viewing
Social Function
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0700-0830 |
REGISTRATION |
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0830-1030 |
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1030-1045 |
BREAK |
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1045-1230 |
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Workshop Day 1 (continues) |
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1230-1330 |
LUNCH |
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1330-1500 |
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Workshop Day 1 (continues) |
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1500-1515 |
BREAK |
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1515-1900 |
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Workshop Day 1 (continues) |
| Concurrent | Concurrent | Concurrent | Concurrent | |||
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0800
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REGISTRATION |
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0900-1030
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Workshop 4 – Enhancing and Implementation of Shared Decision-Making (SDM) in Rheumatology Practice: Tools, Skills & Implementation
View workshop information |
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1030-1045
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BREAK |
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1045-1245
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Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Workshop Day 2 (continues) |
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Workshop 3 – Clinical review (continues)
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Workshop 4 – Enhancing and Implementation of Shared Decision-Making (SDM) in Rheumatology Practice: Tools, Skills & Implementation
(continues)
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1245-1330
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LUNCH BREAK |
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1330-1500
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Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Workshop Day 2 (continues) |
Workshop 2 – GRAPPA Workshop (continues)
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Workshop 3 – Clinical review (continues)
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1500-1700
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Pre-congress Industry workshop 1
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Pre-congress Industry workshop 2
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Pre-congress Industry workshop 3
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Pre-congress Industry workshop 4
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1700-1800
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Opening Ceremony Included in registration. View more information here |
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1800-1930
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Welcome Reception and Official Opening of Exhibition Hall Included in registration. View more information here |
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| Plenary / Concurrent 1 | Concurrent 2 | Concurrent 3 | Concurrent 4 | |
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0700 |
REGISTRATION
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0830-1000
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Plenary session 1: State-of-the-Art Management of Rheumatic Diseases
Chairpersons: TBC Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Tsutomu Takeuchi SLE Mandana Nikpour Osteoporosis Kenneth Saag |
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1000-1025 |
BREAK |
Poster viewing |
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1025-1125
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Morning symposium 1
Title coming soon |
Morning symposium 2
Belimumab: 15 Years of Changing the Lupus Treatment Paradigm |
Morning symposium 3
Title coming soon |
Morning symposium 4
Title coming soon |
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1125-1130 |
Transition between sessions |
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1130-1245 |
Advances and controversies in SLE management (TBC) Coordinated by the APLAR SLE SIG |
COPCORD session
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Multiomics approach in systemic rheumatic diseases
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AYR symposium: Crossroads of Inflammation: Unraveling the Gut–Skin–Spine Spectrum in Spondyloarthritis Coordinated by APLAR Young Rheumatologists |
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Chairpersons: Yoshiya Tanaka and Laniyati Hamijoyo
Update on the management of cutaneous lupus erythematosus Tae-Gyun Kim Management of difficult lupus nephritis Chi Chiu Mok Controversies of glucocorticoid treatment in SLE Sandra Navarra Q&A |
Chairpersons: TBC
Prevalence of Major Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases in Rawalpindi and Islamabad: A COPCORD Survey Tayyeba Khursheed Statistical and methodological aspects of multi-stage sampling surveys James Stanley Epidemiology of SLE in Aotearoa/New Zealand Chunhuan Lao |
Chairpersons: TBC
Genomics and transcriptomic biomarkers for clinical applications in rheumatology So-Young Bang Type 1 Interferon signature and allograft inflammatory factor-1 contribute to refractoriness to TNF inhibition in AS Eun Young Lee Multi-Omics Analysis of T Cell Dysfunction in Autoimmune Diseases Keishi Fujio Q&A |
Chairpersons: Babur Salim and Jiuliang Zhao
Ankylosing Spondylitis in 2026: A New Era of Diagnosis and Disease Control Xenofon Baraliakos IBD-Associated Spondylarthritis : A Translational Perspective Lai Shan Tam Psoriatic Arthritis Revisited : New insights into enthesitis and molecular targets Ghita Harifi Q&A |
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1245-1250
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Transition between sessions |
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1250-1420 |
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Lunch symposium 1
Title coming soon |
Lunch symposium 2
Title coming soon |
Lunch symposium 3
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Sponsored by UCB
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Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim
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1420-1425
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Transition between sessions |
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1425-1540 |
APLAR – EULAR symposium Coordinated by EULAR – International session |
Redefining Quality of Care: Structural determinants of health, Patient Engagement and Outreach Coordinated by the APLAR Social Commitment & Patient Outreach SIG |
Recent Advances in Upper Extremity Surgery for RA patients
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Abstract session 1
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Chairpersons: Kichul Shin and Yoshiya Tanaka
Cognitive Function and the Brain in Rheumatoid Arthritis Christopher Edwards Mastering Treatment Strategies in Arthritis Daniel Aletaha Diagnosis vs. Classification – the ASAS/SPARTAN 2026 criteria Xenofon Baraliakos Q&A |
Chairpersons: Kenneth Saag and Syed Atiqul Haq
Redefining Quality of Care: Evidence beyond the Clinic Nighat Mir Ahmad Patient Experience and Engagement Galymzhan Togizbayev From the clinic to the health systems: building capacity to provide equitable and person-centred care for musculoskeletal health Andrew Briggs Panel discussion and Q&A |
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1540-1610 |
BREAK |
Poster viewing |
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1610-1725 |
Osteoarthritis Coordinated by the APLAR Osteoarthritis SIG |
APLAR–PANLAR session International session |
GRAPPA session
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New Horizons in the Treatment of ANCA-Associated Vasculitis Coordinated by the APLAR Vasculitis SIG |
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Chairpersons: Juan Raphael Gonzales and TBC
Intra-articular therapies for osteoarthritis Gun-Il Im Precision medicine in osteoarthritis Seung Woo Han Osteoarthritis phenotypes Junyong Park |
Chairpersons: Paulo Lorenzo and Yoshiya Tanaka
Prevention of bone loss in inflammatory arthritis Lai-Shan Tam Presentation title TBA Vanessa Ocampo Presentation title TBA Kichul Shin Presentation title TBA Carlos Enrique Toro Gutiérrez |
Chairpersons: TBC and Fariz Yahya
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Chairpersons: Xinping Tian and Masayoshi Harigai
From Immune Amplification to Immune Tolerance: Targeting Innate and Antigen-Specific Pathways in AAV Joshua D. Ooi |
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1725-1730 |
Transition between sessions
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1730-1825 |
Evening symposium 1
Tacrolimus strategy for Autoimmune real-world in Rheumatic Disease |
Evening symposium 2
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Evening symposium 3
The significance of IL-6 signal blocking in autoimmune diseases including RA |
Evening symposium 4
Therapeutic targeting of IL-6 and IL-1 pathways in autoinflammatory and autoimmune rheumatic diseases |
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Sponsored by Astellas Pharma Korea Inc.
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Sponsored by Novartis
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Sponsored by Chugai Pharmaceutical / JW Pharmaceutical
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Sponsored by R-Pharm Group
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| Plenary / Concurrent 1 | Concurrent 2 | Concurrent 3 | Concurrent 4 | |||
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0700 |
REGISTRATION
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0830-1000
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Plenary session 2: Translational Research and Artificial Intelligence in Rheumatology
Chairpersons: TBC Understanding rheumatic disease through continuous cell state analysis Soumya Raychaudhuri Artificial intelligence and machine learning in axial spondyloarthritis Denis Poddubnyy Digital healthcare regarding Rheumatic diseases Anindita Santosa |
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1000-1025 |
BREAK |
Poster viewing |
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1025-1125
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Morning symposium 5
Crossroads of Inflammation: What Advances in PsA/SpA Mean for Clinical Practice |
Morning symposium 6
From Inflammation to Impact: Early Treatment Strategies in Spondyloarthritis |
Morning symposium 7
Title coming soon |
Morning symposium 8
Shifting the Trajectory: Understanding the Implications of an early subcutaneous application of Methotrexate |
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1125-1130 |
Transition between sessions |
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1130-1245 |
New horizon in lupus translational research
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Imaging Coordinated by the APLAR Imaging SIG |
Epidemiology Coordinated by the APLAR Epidemiology SIG |
IJRD session Coordinated by the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases |
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Chairperson: TBC
New insight into the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis Seokchan Hong The role of gut microbiome in systemic lupus erythematosus Seungki Kwok B cell metabolism in lupus Jason Jungsik Song Q&A |
Chairpersons: Kei Ikeda and Hyun-Sook Kim
Ultrasound in Sjogren Syndrome Ved Chaturvedi AI in MRI Rheumatology Imaging Ho Yin Chung Imaging of Large Vessel Vasculitis Prof Min Jung Kim Q&A |
Chairpersons: Yoshiya Tanaka and Galymzhan Togizbayev
Epidemiological Factors Affecting Treatment Decisions and Outcomes in Spondyloarthritis Muhammad Ahmed Saeed Do Epidemiological Factors Influence Treatment Outcomes in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Evidence from Clinical Practice Suleman Khan How and Why Vasculitis Differs Between East and West: Clinical and Epidemiological Insights Md Nazrul Islam |
Chairpersons: James Cheng-Chung Wei and Shin-Seok Lee
Opening & IJRD Statement for AI use in Medical Publication Generative AI in Manuscript Drafting: Efficiency vs. Integrity Po-Cheng Shih AI-Driven Systematic Reviews and Literature Synthesis Lisa Traboco EULAR recommendations on big data and AI in RMDs Latika Gupta Panel Discussion & Audience Q&A Closing remarks |
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1245-1250
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Transition between sessions |
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1250-1420 |
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Lunch symposium 4
Title coming soon |
Lunch symposium 5
Polymyalgia Rheumatica: From Diagnosis to Long-Term Disease Control – Current Recommendations and Unmet Needs |
Lunch symposium 6
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1420-1425
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Transition between sessions |
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1425-1540 |
SpA Coordinated by the APLAR SpA SIG |
Digital Health and Telemedicine Coordinated by the APLAR Digital Health and Telemedicine SIG |
Prevention and treatment of Infections in rheumatic diseases
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Abstract session 2
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Chairpersons: Kichul Shin and TBC
Is axial psoriatic arthritis (axPsA) with psoriasis the same as axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA)? Ashish Mathew Unmet needs in axial Spondyloarthritis in 2026 Xenofon Baraliakos Re-positioning JAK Inhibitors in Axial Spondyloarthritis: Real-World Evidence and Pragmatic Considerations from Low- and Middle-Income Countries Muhammad Ahmed Saeed Q&A |
Chairpersons: Anindita Santosa and Faisal Parlindungan
Welcome and introduction Presentation title TBA Atsushi Kawakami Presentation title TBA Samuel L Whittle Presentation title TBA Mohsen G. Soroush TARDIS: The APLAR Telemedicine Survey Sakir Ahmed Closing comments |
Chairperson: TBC
Common infections in rheumatic diseases Chang-Hee Suh Prevention of infections through vaccinations Joon Young Song Improving vaccine responses in rheumatic diseases Jin Kyun Park |
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1540-1610 |
BREAK |
Poster viewing |
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1610-1725 |
APLAR – ACR symposium Coordinated by ACR – International session |
Crystal-induced arthritis Coordinated by the APLAR Crystal-induced arthritis SIG |
Scleroderma Coordinated by the APLAR Scleroderma SIG |
Abstract session 3
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Chairpersons: Kichul Shin and Yoshiya Tanaka
Pathobiology and Viruses in SLE William Robinson Childhood Lupus: Epidemiology and Emerging Treatments Hermine Brunner Q&A |
Chairpersons: Jose Paulo Lorenzo and Kanon Jatuworapruk
CPPD – therapeutic frontiers: existing therapies, emerging biologics, and challenges in disease-modifying treatment in CPPD Geraldine McCarthy Presentation title TBA Sami Salman Metabolic Syndrome as the hidden driver of gout: Why every gout assessment must be a metabolic assessment Binit Vaidya Gout in complex comorbidity: CKD, heart disease and polypharmacy – practical treatment algorithms that reconcile CV safety, renal dosing, drug interactions and hospital formularies Lisa Stamp Q&A |
Chairpersons: Masataka Kuwana and Jasmin Raja
VEDOSS and Pre-systemic sclerosis: Predicting its progression (Title to be confirmed) Supraporn Wangkaew Vascular disease continuum in SSc: evidence, clinical meaningfulness and surrogate measures Francesco Del Galdo Defining disease activity in SSc Mandana Nikpour Q&A |
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1725-1730 |
Transition between sessions
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1730-1825 |
Evening symposium 5
Latest Evidence on Methotrexate and JAK Inhibitors |
Evening symposium 6
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Evening symposium 7
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Evening symposium 8
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Sponsored by Eisai
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1900-Late |
Joint Presidential Gala dinner |
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| Plenary / Concurrent 1 | Concurrent 2 | Concurrent 3 | Concurrent 4 | |||
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0700 |
REGISTRATION
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0800-0915 |
RA comorbities – The hidden burden Coordinated by the APLAR Rheumatoid arthritis SIG |
Paediatric Coordinated by the APLAR Paediatric SIG |
From Genes to Joints: Translating Genetic Discoveries into Practice Coordinated by the APLAR Genetics SIG |
How to treat Sjögren disease (SjD) Coordinated by the APLAR Sjogren SIG |
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Chairpersons: TBC and Kunihiro Yamaoka
Cardiometabolic Burden in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Mechanisms, Detection, and Clinical Implications- TBC Lai-Shan Tam |
Chairpersons: Swee-Ping Tang and Yae-Jean Kim
APLAR Paeds SIG updates Elizabeth Ang SLE Across the Age Spectrum: Can Adult Treatment Paradigms Be Applied to Children? Mary Beth Son Autoinflammatory Disorders in Children to Adults (title to be confirmed) Georgina Tiller Paediatric Bone Health and Osteoporosis: What Is the Evidence and How Does It Differ from Adults? Ma Theresa Collante Q&A |
Chairpersons: Michael Tee and Suleman Khan
Clinical Utility of Whole Genome Sequencing for the Diagnosis of Rheumatic Diseases Jeong Seok (Justin) Lee From Gene to Therapy: Functional Genomics and the Promise of Targeted Treatment in Monogenic Rheumatic Syndromes Fahd Adeeb Genetic Counselling in Rheumatic Diseases Michael Tee Q&A |
Chairpersons: Sandhya Pulukool and Atsushi Kawakami
How to treat dryness of SjD, perspectives from rheumatologists Hiroto Tsuboi How to treat extra-glandular manifestations of SjD Sandhya Pulukool How to manage extra-glandular manifestations of SjD, especially pulmonary disease in SjD Seung-Ki Kwok How to diagnose and treat pediatric SjD Minako Tomiita Patient and Public Involvement in SjD Maureen Rischmueller |
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0915-0920 |
Transition between sessions |
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0920-1050
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Plenary session 3: Enhancing the Quality of Patient Care in Rheumatology
Chairpersons: TBC The Evolution and Prospects of the Collaboration between EULAR and APLAR Xenofon Baraliakos Improving Patient Outcomes through Evidence-based, Multidisciplinary Treatment Rachelle Buchbinder Translational Research of Th1 Autoimmunity in Rheumatoid Arthritis: From Animal Models to Clinical Practice Ho-Youn Kim |
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1050-1115 |
BREAK |
Poster viewing |
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1115-1230
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Osteoporosis Coordinated by the APLAR Osteoporosis SIG |
Women’s Health & Reproductive Issues in RMDs Coordinated by the APLAR Women’s Health & Reproductive Issues in RMDs SIG |
Patient engagement with AI
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How to manage extramuscular complications in idiopathic inflammatory myopathy Coordinated by the APLAR Myositis (IIM) SIG |
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Chairpersons: Julie Li-Yu, MD and Sumapa Chaiamnuay
Updates on denosumab discontinuation Fiaz Alam, MD Choice of therapy for patients with high to very high fracture risk Nabeel Abdulla, MD AI in bone health: From opportunistic screening to clinical decision-making Mahabaleshwar Mamadapur, MD Q&A |
Chairpersons: May Ching Soh and Ratchaya Lertnawapan
APLAR Consensus Statements on the Management of Reproductive Issues in Rheumatic Diseases Vinod Ravindran Managing Lupus Nephritis in Pregnancy Samar Al Emadi Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis to target in Pregnancy Uthpala Dissanayake Q&A |
Chairperson: TBC
AI and Remote Monitoring and Telemedicine Atsushi Kawakami Practical considerations in utilizing AI in medical research and practice Ji Seon Oh Utilizing AI for shared decision-making in selecting pharmacologic treatments for patients with rheumatic Diseases Yoon-Kyoung Sung |
Chairpersons: Vidya Limaye and Ho So
Cancer screening -learning from the IMACS guideline Alex Oldroyd How to treat skin rash in dermatomyositis Amanda Saracino ILD management -learning from individual regional guidelines Takahisa Gono Q&A |
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1230-1235
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Transition between sessions |
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1235-1405
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Lunch symposium 7
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1405-1410
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Transition between sessions |
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1410-1525
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RA-ILD
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Abstract session 4
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Allied health professionals
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Abstract session 5
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Chairperson: TBC
Epidemiology and Early Detection of RA-ILD Soo-Kyung Cho RA-ILD Progression and Optimizing Treatment Toshihiro Nanki Emerging Therapies and Safety in RA-ILD Jin-Woo Song Q&A |
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Chairperson: TBC
Enhancing the Patient Journey in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Measurement and Key Drivers Catherine Hill Infection control principles for rheumatology allied health professionals Jahyun Kang Trends and future challenges in rheumatoid arthritis nursing research in South Korea Dukyoo Jung |
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1525-1530 |
Transition between sessions
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1530-1605 |
Closing ceremony and awards |
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APLAR 2026 Information coming soon
Thank you for your patience as we prepare the necessary information for APLAR 2026.