Maksymowych WP, Østergaard M, Landewé R, et al. - Filgotinib treatment for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) provided significant decreases in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of spinal inflammation, including in vertebral bodies, facet joints, and posterolateral elements, compared with placebo.

• In this post-hoc analysis of the TORTUGA trial [AS patients were treated with filgotinib 200 mg (n = 58) or placebo (n = 58) once daily for 12 weeks], spine MRIs from 47 filgotinib- and 41 placebo-treated patients were assessed.

• There were no significant differences for corner or non-corner vertebral body inflammation subscores, spine fat lesion, bone erosion, or new bone formation (NBF) scores.

• A positive correlation between change from baseline in total inflammation score and SPARCC (Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada) spine score was identified in the filgotinib group.

• A correlation of baseline NBF scores with baseline BASMI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index) but not with BASFI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index) scores was evident.