Reflections from EULAR 2026: advancing early control of inflammation

A moment to reflect and move forward

After a busy few days at EULAR 2026, I’ve been reflecting on one theme that strongly came through, the importance of early inflammation recognition and what that could mean for people living with immune-mediated diseases.

Data presented across the meeting pointed in a clear direction, early recognition of inflammation matters. It has the potential to help protect function, mobility and quality of life over time.

For me, one of the strongest takeaways from EULAR this year was the momentum behind earlier intervention. There’s a real sense that the field is moving towards recognizing disease sooner and acting sooner, and that feels important.

Building on the science

At UCB, this focus builds on years of work in immunology and rheumatology. That research has deepened our understanding of the pathways that drive inflammation and continues to share where we focus next.

Continued research and collaboration are helping build the evidence clinicians need to make informed decisions earlier. Because if we want to improve outcomes, we need to understand not only established disease, but also how inflammation begins and changes over time.

Why acting early matters

For people living with rheumatological conditions, timing can make a real difference. When inflammation is not controlled, it can affect how people move, function and feel day to day. Over time, some of that impact can become harder to reverse.

That is why earlier action matters. The more we understand about how disease develops and progresses, the better the opportunity to support informed decisions that may help protect long-term outcomes.

Turning science into action

As the science evolves, communicating in clearly becomes even more important. One thing EULAR reinforced is how much clear, evidence-based communication matters if we want research to support real-world care.

The breadth of data shared this year — across multiple rheumatic conditions and spanning both early and long-term evidence – showed just how much progress is happening across the field. Just as importantly, EULAR created space for the conversations and exchange of ideas that help move that progress forward.

Our contribution at EULAR 2026

We were proud to contribute to this year’s congress with 27 abstracts across psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. This reflects both the depth of our immunology portfolio and our ongoing commitment to supporting the scientific and patient communities.

Continuing the conversation

Ultimately, the goal remains clear: to help people living with rheumatological conditions benefit from earlier insights and interventions that may improve outcomes and support longer, healthier lives.

EULAR 2026 was a busy, energizing few days, bringing together the global rheumatology community in London and beyond. The conversations, insights and connections from the congress will continue to inform what comes next.

If you want to experience the buzz for yourself, check out our highlights reel.