Multidisciplinary collaboration as the future of patient-centered care

As we approach the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence 2025, Jeff Stark, MD, US Head of Medical Immunology at UCB, and John Ioannou, Global Medical Head, Immunology at UCB, bring together their unique perspectives on the value of cross-specialty collaboration.

As seasoned rheumatologists, Jeff and John both draw on their deep clinical expertise to bridge scientific innovation and real-world practice. Hear their thoughts on new ways to advance patient-centered care. 

Q: How can cross-collaboration between rheumatologists and dermatologists benefit patients?

Jeff Stark: Research and patient insights consistently show that early diagnosis and treatment of certain rheumatic diseases – like psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), which includes non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) – can make a significant difference. When healthcare providers (HCPs) identify these conditions sooner and initiate therapy earlier, patients can benefit from improved treatment response and greater quality of life.

Collaboration between a patient’s dermatologist and rheumatologist is critical for earlier intervention. In psoriatic disease, for example, up to 40% of patients with psoriasis (PSO) will develop PsA2 – this interplay of psoriatic disease highlights the “domino effect” of comorbidities that is the timely focus of the upcoming World Psoriasis Day this year. Collaboration between dermatologists and rheumatologists may reduce diagnostic delays and result in high patient satisfaction and improved outcomes.

Q: How can we ensure the value of collaboration translates into tangible benefits for patients?

John Ioannou: This is such an important question, because collaboration only becomes meaningful when it aligns with what truly matters to patients. At UCB, that means co-creating solutions, and partnering with patient organizations to ensure the evidence we generate reflects real-world priorities.  

This is especially critical in immune-mediated rheumatic diseases, where, as Jeff explained, the patient journey often spans multiple specialties. In my personal experience, individuals frequently see both dermatologists and rheumatologists to manage the diverse manifestations and comorbidities associated with psoriatic disease. That is why we must always remember patients have to navigate more than an isolated diagnosis. By moving beyond isolated endpoints and instead focusing on shared pathways and the burden of incomplete disease control, we can better address the full complexity of a patient’s holistic needs and move toward truly transformative outcomes.

Q: When you think about the benefits of collaborative scientific exchange at a meeting like ACR, what are you most excited about? What are you most looking forward to at this year’s ACR?

Jeff Stark: Cross-specialty scientific research and knowledge exchange are critical to unlocking new pathways for developing medicines that target the underlying drivers of disease.

The IL-17 family of cytokines, which consists of 6 structurally related signaling molecules (IL-17A, IL-17B, IL-17C, IL-17D, IL-17E, and IL-17F) key to both health and disease, plays a central role in regulating immune responses.

Among these, IL-17A and IL-17F are well-established drivers of axSpA and have been identified as key contributors to other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. The role of the other IL-17 family members (including IL-17B, IL-17C, IL-17D, and IL-17E) in SpA is largely unknown; however, they have emerged as key drivers of other IMIDs. Deepening our understanding of the broader IL-17 family could open new therapeutic avenues and improve outcomes for patients.

UCB’s virtual RheuMuseum, which will be on display at ACR this year, offers a special exhibit where visitors can explore the role of the IL-17 family in SpA and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases at any time. This interactive experience, along with our role as a lead sponsor of the meeting, reflects UCB’s commitment to fostering rigorous scientific exchange and advancing understanding in immunology.

Q: What are you looking forward to at ACR Convergence 2025? 

John Ioannou: ACR provides a vital opportunity to strengthen partnerships and spark meaningful dialogue. Personally, I am looking forward to sessions on critical topics on how emerging solutions are addressing long-term efficacy to reduce treatment cycling, and how innovative approaches can target and control inflammation in immune-mediated conditions.

I also want to take this opportunity to celebrate the dedication and commitment of everyone at UCB for their part in bringing such a breadth of new data to ACR. With abstracts across PsA, axSpA, PSO, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, we are sharing data that informs treatment decisions, helping clinicians build confidence through evidence that reflects real-world practice and long-term outcomes.

With so much progress happening in immunology, I’m thrilled to be a part of this momentum.