New insights into the management of Behçet syndrome

INTRODUCTION: Behçet syndrome (BS) is a multisystem variable-vessel vasculitis characterized by recurrent mucocutaneous manifestations and severe organ involvement affecting the eyes, blood vessels, nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract. Although therapeutic advances over the past two decades have significantly improved outcomes, important clinical questions remain regarding optimal treatment selection, sequencing, durability, and long-term safety. AREAS COVERED: This narrative review summarizes current evidence on established and emerging therapies for BS, focusing on unresolved aspects of management. We discuss comparative data between infliximab and adalimumab, the evolving role of cyclophosphamide in major vascular involvement, treatment strategies in colchicine-resistant mucocutaneous and joint disease, the use of combination therapy with conventional immunosuppressives, and considerations for tapering or discontinuing biologics. We also review available evidence for alternative biologic and targeted therapies, including interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-12/23, IL-17 inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, and novel phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors, as well as investigational agents. This review is based on a targeted literature search and the authors' expertise, including recent work for the updated 2025 EULAR recommendations for the management of BS. EXPERT OPINION: Monoclonal anti-TNF antibodies remain the most supported biologic option across all disease manifestations. Emerging therapies show promise, but their long-term efficacy and safety require confirmation in controlled trials.

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Publication Details

Journal
Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs
Published
2026-05-18
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/13543784.2026.2676066
Primary Topic
Ocular Diseases and Behçet’s Syndrome
Type
article
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article

New insights into the management of Behçet syndrome

Yeşim Özgüler, Gulen Hatemi, Sinem Nihal Esatoglu
Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs
Ocular Diseases and Behçet’s Syndrome
article

New insights into the management of Behçet syndrome

Yeşim Özgüler, Gulen Hatemi, Sinem Nihal Esatoglu
article en

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Behçet syndrome (BS) is a multisystem variable-vessel vasculitis characterized by recurrent mucocutaneous manifestations and severe organ involvement affecting the eyes, blood vessels, nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract. Although therapeutic advances over the past two decades have significantly improved outcomes, important clinical questions remain regarding optimal treatment selection, sequencing, durability, and long-term safety. AREAS COVERED: This narrative review summarizes current evidence on established and emerging therapies for BS, focusing on unresolved aspects of management. We discuss comparative data between infliximab and adalimumab, the evolving role of cyclophosphamide in major vascular involvement, treatment strategies in colchicine-resistant mucocutaneous and joint disease, the use of combination therapy with conventional immunosuppressives, and considerations for tapering or discontinuing biologics. We also review available evidence for alternative biologic and targeted therapies, including interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-12/23, IL-17 inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, and novel phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors, as well as investigational agents. This review is based on a targeted literature search and the authors' expertise, including recent work for the updated 2025 EULAR recommendations for the management of BS. EXPERT OPINION: Monoclonal anti-TNF antibodies remain the most supported biologic option across all disease manifestations. Emerging therapies show promise, but their long-term efficacy and safety require confirmation in controlled trials.

Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs
Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa (TR), Center for Rheumatology (US)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 4%
Ocular Diseases and Behçet’s Syndrome
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New insights into the management of Behçet syndrome — Yeşim Özgüler, Gulen Hatemi, et al. · Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS