Smolen has published more than 700 scientific papers, including in the
New England Journal of Medicine,
The Lancet,
JAMA,
Nature Medicine,
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases and
Journal of Clinical Investigation, on topics relating to
immunology and
rheumatology, with his research activities focusing on the pathogenesis and treatment of
rheumatic diseases. In this context, together with his many colleagues, he has gained new insights into the development and propagation of joint destruction and helped to develop new therapies for
rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The innovative therapies whose development he has significantly influenced include biologics such as monoclonal antibodies against
TNF (
infliximab,
golimumab,
certolizumab) or the
IL-6 receptor (
tocilizumab) as well as
Janus kinase inhibitors (
baricitinib,
upadacitinib). Previously, he made significant contributions to the understanding of other then new drugs, such as
leflunomide. Most recently, he was involved in the development of an antibody against
IL-6 (
olokizumab). Smolen and his team have developed new disease activity scores for
rheumatoid arthritis (Simplified Disease Activity Index, SDAI, and Clinical Disease Activity Index, CDAI), psoriatic arthritis (Disease Activity index for PSoriatic Arthritis, DAPSA) and
reactive arthritis (Disease Activity index for REactive Arthritis, DAREA), which are used worldwide. He was also spiritus rector in the development and expansion of the treat-to-target concept (
targeted therapy) for rheumatic diseases. In the course of studies on autologous mixed
lymphocyte culture, Smolen, together with Thomas Luger and others, showed for the first time that CD8 lymphocytes produce
interleukin-2, a finding that broke through a dogma at the time. Together with Günter Steiner and others, he discovered a new
autoantigen, RA-33, which triggers an
autoimmune response, particularly in
rheumatoid arthritis. To optimize the treatment of patients with
rheumatoid arthritis, Smolen established immediate access early arthritis outpatient clinics at the Hietzing Hospital and the General Hospital herewith developed a concept to reduce waiting times for patients, which has enabled many rheumatoid arthritis patients to receive rapid and efficient help. Since almost two decades he is one of the editors of the Textbook "Rheumatology", whose 8th edition has been published recently. Smolen has been one of the Highly Cited Researchers for many years and is a much sought-after speaker and teacher at international and national congresses and other events. == Honors ==