New hope for PMR patients: drug may replace long-term steroids

This study tests whether a single course of rituximab can help people with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) stop using steroids without their symptoms returning. PMR causes severe pain and stiffness, and long-term steroid use has serious side effects. The trial includes 174 adults who are currently experiencing a relapse and cannot reduce their steroid dose below 5 mg per day. Researchers will compare those who receive rituximab to those who receive a placebo, tracking how many achieve steroid-free remission after 52 weeks.