Pitt at ACR 2026

The University of Pittsburgh is recognized nationally for its clinical, translational, and basic research programs in rheumatology. In partnership with UPMC, one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers, Pitt drives discovery and elevates patient care at every level. With expertise in scleroderma, myositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s disease, vasculitis, and autoinflammatory disorders, Pitt researchers and clinicians are pioneering advances that define the future of rheumatic disease care. 

At ACR Convergence 2026, experience firsthand the depth and breadth of discovery happening at the University of Pittsburgh. Our faculty and researchers will be highly visible across Orlando, presenting original findings, sharing clinical insights, and forging new collaborations with colleagues from around the world. Connect with our investigators and discover how Pitt can be your partner in solving the most pressing challenges in rheumatology.

Talks
Mehret Birru Talabi, MD, PhD
Mehret Birru Talabi, MD, PhD

Reproductive Health for the Rheumatologist
9:00 AM - 9:35 AM
Location: Hall B, WB3 &WB4

Saturday, November 7, 2026 

Rohit Aggarwal, MD, MS
Rohit Aggarwal, MD, MS

Immunoglobulin Therapy in Myositis 
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM | Location: W304A-H 

Cellular Therapies in Autoimmunity: What It Takes to Get it Done
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Location: W415D

Sunday, November 8, 2026 

Amr Sawalha, MD
Amr Sawalha, MD

From Genes to Environment: Epigenetic Regulation and Gene-environment Interactions in Lupus
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: W415D

Monday, November 9, 2026

Kathryn Torok, MD
Kathryn Torok, MD

Longitudinal Single-Cell Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals Remodeling of Endothelial Cell Subsets Following Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in Juvenile Systemic Sclerosis 
9:15 AM - 9:30 AM
Location: W109

Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Rachael Gordon, MD, PhD
Rachael Gordon, MD, PhD

The Many Faces of B Cells in Sjögren’s: Exploring Pathogenesis, Lymphoma, and Upcoming Treatment Strategies 
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: W204

Tuesday, November 10, 2026

 

 

Jishnu Das, PhD
Jishnu Das, PhD

Interpretable Machine Learning using Big Data for Immune Mechanism Discovery
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: W206

Tuesday, November 10, 2026 

Daniella Schwartz, MD
Daniella Schwartz, MD

Distinct Plasma Cytokine Profiles Across Rheumatic Diseases Reveal an RA-Specific Interstitial Lung Disease Signature
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM
Location: W304A-H

Tuesday, November 10, 2026  

Rohit Aggarwal, MD, MS
Rohit Aggarwal, MD, MS

Nerandomilast in Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease: Subgroup Analysis of the Phase III FIBRONEER™-ILD Trial
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM 
Location: W311A-D

IImagine What's Next in Myositis Care: Integrating Targeted Strategies to Advance Patient Outcomes
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM 
Location: Hyatt Regency Orlando, Regency Ballroom P

Tuesday, November 10, 2026


(LB24) Efgartigimod PH20 SC in Adults With Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy: Results From the Phase 3, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled ALKIVIA Trial
9:15 AM - 9:30 AM 
Location: Chapin Theater

Wednesday , November 11, 2026

Poster Presentations at ACR 2026

Shortlist of Technologies
Novel Approach to Treating Autoimmune Diseases by Modulating Immune Cell Proliferation

An in-vivo validated PIKFYVE-inhibition approach that restores the Treg/Th17 balance to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Novel Small Molecules for Inhibition of MALT1

Dual-action MALT1 inhibitors that block both protease and scaffolding functions to treat cancers, autoimmune diseases, and allergies more effectively.

 

Novel Tool for Measuring Quality of Life in Pediatric Localized Scleroderma (SURe)

The only validated patient-reported quality-of-life tool for pediatric localized scleroderma, built for clinical trials and now being adapted for adult use.

Resources & Next Steps
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