Lupus
New treatments are on the horizon for lupus patients
From biologics to CAR-T, developments in clinical research for SLE have opened new treatment doors for patients.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common form of lupus, is associated with a wide range of symptoms and is one of the leading causes of death in young women. Thankfully there has been much progress made in its treatment over recent years. In particular, the introduction of corticosteroids and immune suppressive therapy have played key roles in drastically reducing mortality due to active SLE.
Of note, important efforts have been made toward the development of biologic therapies that are manufactured using living microorganisms, plants, or animal cells. These are being used to treat unmanageable cases of SLE. Anifrolumab, a biologic launched in 2021 used to treat moderate to severe SLE, has been demonstrated to decrease pain and skin manifestations. Since its approval, a study conducted at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston showed one patient was able to reduce their daily Prednisone dose from ten mg to two mg within six months. This is significant considering Prednisone, the most commonly prescribed steroid for lupus, is associated with many side effects. Following Anifrolumab, Litifilimab, a different investigational biologic agent, was approved by the FDA in 2022. In a clinical trial, Litifilimab was also associated with improvements of both skin and joint manifestations of lupus.
A better understanding of the immunopathological mechanisms underlying SLE has allowed researchers to develop biologic agents targeting the dysfunction in the immune system during disease processes. These include, but are not limited to, biologic agents that inactivate or destroy B cells, inhibit the B-cell activating factor (BAFF), inhibit T-cell activation, interfere with T-cell functions, or decrease the production of interferon alpha (IFN-α). T and B cells as well as IFN-α create antibodies used by the body to fight infection.
Along these lines, CART-T therapy, which harnesses a person’s own immune system to fight disease, is a promising approach for the treatment of severe illness. Until now, and most notably, CAR-T has been used to treat various cancers. The approach is now being looked at for treatment of SLE. In a study conducted by the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, after three months from the first dose of CAR-T, all patients in the trial achieved remission and remained in remission for twelve months -- without the need for other medications. This therapy also caused limited adverse effects with no patient having nervous system issues or infections. Since healthcare providers were able to apply this therapy to SLE, it is likely that in the future it could aid in the treatment of other autoimmune conditions, such as multiple sclerosis.
Historically, lupus treatment has lagged behind other rheumatic disease in terms of breakthrough discovery, though that landscape is finally starting to change for the five million people around the world affected by the condition. Want to stay informed about opportunities to participate in research studies?
Join our patient community
Interested in learning more about systemic lupus erythematosus? Register on ClinicalResearch.com to receive news about lupus and related IQVIA clinical trials. Check ClinicalResearch.com often for updates and news on a variety of disease areas and to find out more about some of the latest clinical research trials.
References
Published Date May 22, 2023
Latest News
Alzheimer's Disease
As America ages, dementia diagnoses poised to double
With humans living longer due to medical breakthroughs, the chance of developing dementia has greatly increased
2025-02-19T13:56:00Z
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Is lassitude affecting your attitude?
The extreme fatigue of MS is so unrelenting that it has its own name: lassitude. What can you do to try and improve this feeling?
2025-01-24T18:58:00Z
Leukemia (AML)
A simple guide to understanding chemo
Chemo is an effective cancer treatment - but what is it exactly and why does it work?
2024-12-09T14:25:00Z
Eczema
Self-care tips during eczema flare-ups
Eczema can be emotionally draining and physically uncomfortable - learn how self-care can change your outlook
2024-11-26T18:46:00Z
Healthy Volunteers
What is a Phase 1 trial?
Phase 1 trials are necessary first steps on the road to clinical breakthroughs and healthy volunteers can help make these a reality.
2024-11-11T15:35:00Z
Colorectal Cancer
The role of biomarker testing in cancer
Biomarkers can play important roles in cancer treatment, but what are they and what can they tell doctors?
2024-10-16T18:18:00Z
Hypertension
Home-based exercise tips for blood pressure control
Getting heart-healthy physical activity doesn't have to mean running a marathon or joining an expensive gym.
2024-09-08T18:30:00Z
Leukemia (AML)
What helps with nausea besides medicine?
Nausea is an unfortunate aspect of cancer treatment - what may help reduce this side effect?
2024-08-31T18:30:00Z
Healthy Volunteers
Common misconceptions about clinical research
Many people have never participated in a clinical trial so it can be hard to separate fact from myth - here are some of the most common myths debunked.
2024-08-28T21:23:00Z
Obesity
The basics of BMI
BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a standard way to assess weight status - learn why and where it came from
2024-08-22T13:50:00Z
Colorectal Cancer
Why is Colorectal Cancer striking at younger ages?
The number of people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer under the age of 50 has greatly increased - what might be the cause of this troubling trend?
2024-08-14T16:12:00Z
Hypertension
Four foods linked with lower blood pressure
While the foods you eat can raise the risk of developing hypertension, there are also options that can help lower blood pressure.
2024-08-01T18:30:00Z
Obesity
A primer on GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss
An overview on select GLP-1 receptor agonist treatments that help promote blood sugar management and weight loss
2024-07-31T18:30:00Z
Multiple Myeloma
Life with a rare disease
Experiencing serious health challenges is difficult enough - having a relatively unknown condition adds additional complexity
2024-07-08T22:02:00Z
Eczema
Atopic Dermatitis: signs and stages
Understanding how atopic dermatitis looks, feels and changes during a flare-up is helpful to patients seeking greater control of their condition
2024-07-01T16:12:00Z
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
Speaking with your PCP about MASH
Engaging your primary doctor in a conversation about risk for MASH liver disease doesn't have to be scary
2024-06-25T12:15:00Z
Alzheimer's Disease
New Alzheimer’s Disease research breakthroughs
The 2020s have been the most impactful decade so far for the debilitating form of dementia
2024-05-02T18:30:00Z
Breast Cancer
Talking to family about cancer genes
Though this conversation may be difficult, it might be vitally important for your loved ones
2024-02-05T18:30:00Z
Lupus
Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) and Diet
Can what you eat make a difference?
2024-04-15T18:30:00Z
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
Learning you need a liver biopsy: staying calm
Approaches to stay in control before, during and after a biopsy
2023-12-27T18:30:00Z
Diabetes
The recent rise of walking as exercise
Grab your sneakers, grab a friend, or grab your dog and get moving!
2023-12-05T18:30:00Z
Renal Cell Carcinoma
Coping with the holidays during cancer treatment
Getting ready to face a new year while facing cancer is no easy task
2023-11-23T18:30:00Z
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Possible link between multiple sclerosis and viral infection?
Researchers are looking to learn more about if and how a virus can trigger multiple sclerosis
2023-10-25T18:30:00Z
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
Making lifestyle changes: ten ideas to get started
Losing excess weight together with an active lifestyle helps with the management of MASH, but where to begin?
2023-09-05T18:30:00Z
Lung Cancer
Talking to loved ones about your clinical trial
How to talk to family and friends when you are thinking of changing cancer treatment plans for a research option
2023-08-14T18:30:00Z
Lung Cancer
Learning you have lung cancer as a non-smoker
Lung cancer can be a shocking diagnosis when you've never smoked - how can it be?
2023-08-15T18:30:00Z
Prostate Cancer
Does a high PSA score always mean cancer?
Learn more about this common test for older men and how it relates to cancer risk
2023-07-10T18:30:00Z
Breast Cancer
Understanding the differences between mastectomy and lumpectomy
Two different surgical options both seeking the same outcome
2023-07-07T18:30:00Z
Lupus
New treatments are on the horizon for lupus patients
From biologics to CAR-T, developments in clinical research for SLE have opened new treatment doors for patients.
2023-05-22T16:15:00Z
Multiple Myeloma
Understanding eligibility criteria for clinical research studies
Clinical trials utilize sets of criteria to determine if a person is a good fit - but what are these and what do they mean?
2023-04-05T18:30:00Z
Renal Cell Carcinoma
Learning you need a biopsy: staying calm
Approaches to stay in control before, during and after a diagnostic biopsy
2023-03-14T18:30:00Z
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
Making lifestyle changes: ten ideas to get started
Pharmaceutical companies are rushing to fill the NASH treatment gap
2023-03-14T18:30:00Z