Can a targeted biologic outperform standard care for a rare blistering disease?

This trial compares two treatment approaches for moderate to severe pemphigus vulgaris, a rare autoimmune disease causing painful blisters on skin and mucous membranes. One group receives rituximab (a biologic that targets immune B-cells) plus corticosteroids, while the other gets the standard regimen of oral corticosteroids plus azathioprine. The study will track outcomes over 12 months, focusing on complete remission rates, time to disease control, relapse rates, and side effects. The goal is to see if rituximab can offer faster, more durable remission with fewer long-term steroid side effects.