People with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) often face irreversible organ damage due to uncontrolled disease activity, frequent disease flares, and long-term glucocorticoid treatment. A recent study evaluated the effectiveness of anifrolumab (Saphnelo®) combined with standard of care (SOC) treatments compared to SOC treatment alone in preventing organ damage. Results showed that anifrolumab plus SOC significantly reduced the risk of long-term organ damage in people with moderate to severe SLE, compared to SOC alone.
This retrospective study analyzed data from 354 participants (anifrolumab group) in the TULIP-1 and -2 trials and 561 participants as real-world external controls. Participants in the anifrolumab group received 300 mg intravenously every four weeks alongside SOC treatments (glucocorticoids, antimalarials, and immunosuppressants). This treatment approach was associated with a 59.9% decreased risk of organ damage progression over four years compared to SOC alone. In addition to reducing disease activity, anifrolumab treatment helped participants achieve low lupus disease activity state (LLDAS), remission, and facilitating glucocorticoid tapering.
These findings highlight the potential of anifrolumab, when combined with SOC, to protect against long-term organ damage in people with SLE. . Although further research is necessary, these findings provide hope for improved long-term outcomes for individuals with SLE. Learn more about medications used to treat lupus.
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