The city of Riyadh established itself as a major center for medical cooperation this week by hosting the First Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Conference on Vasculitis. Organized by the Saudi Society for Rheumatology in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and several leading academic and medical institutions across the Gulf region, the event gathered over 200 healthcare professionals.
Attendees included specialists from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain, as well as international experts in autoimmune and vascular inflammatory diseases. This landmark two-day conference aimed to improve understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of vasculitis in the region.
Focus on ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (AAV)
The conference placed a strong emphasis on ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), a rare but severe group of autoimmune disorders that cause inflammation and damage to blood vessels. Key discussions centered around the two primary forms of the disease: Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) and Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA).
Experts highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management involving rheumatologists, nephrologists, pulmonologists, and pathologists to prevent irreversible organ damage and improve patient outcomes.
Advances in Treatment and Emerging Therapies
One of the main highlights was the presentation of cutting-edge targeted therapies for vasculitis. Dr. Reem Al-Hamoud, a consultant rheumatologist at King Saud University Medical City, presented the latest data from global clinical trials, including the ADVOCATE Phase 3 study.
This study evaluated TAVNEOS® (avacopan), a novel oral C5a receptor inhibitor that represents a paradigm shift in managing ANCA-associated vasculitis. Dr. Al-Hamoud explained how this therapy reduces the need for glucocorticoids, minimizing side effects while maintaining effective disease control.
Keynote Sessions and Expert Discussions
International keynote speakers from Europe and North America shared insights on novel biomarkers, renal involvement in vasculitis, and the long-term safety of immunomodulatory treatments.
Additional workshops targeted young physicians, focusing on early disease recognition, monitoring using imaging and lab tools, and strategies to manage treatment complications and prevent relapses.
Dr. Laila Al-Salem, head of the organizing committee, expressed optimism:
“The enthusiasm and engagement of young doctors and researchers demonstrate that vasculitis is gaining much-needed attention in our region.”
Source: PubMed – Saudi AAV Study
