Lupus sufferers are rejoicing.
A new study suggests that a drug called anifrolumab may offer significant protection against organ damage in patients with lupus. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and can lead to lasting harm to vital organs, including the kidneys, lungs, heart, and liver. Traditional lupus treatments, such as steroids and immunosuppressants, may help manage inflammation but don’t effectively prevent organ damage and may sometimes contribute to it.
Anifrolumab, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021 for treating systemic lupus erythematosus (the most common form of lupus), was tested for its effectiveness in preventing organ damage. The drug is a monoclonal antibody that targets and blocks receptors for type 1 interferon, a biochemical responsible for promoting inflammation in lupus patients. It is given via an IV once a month.
In a clinical trial, researchers compared 354 lupus patients treated with anifrolumab to 561 patients receiving the standard care. The study showed that those receiving anifrolumab had a 60% lower risk of experiencing long-term organ damage progression. The results also revealed that patients on anifrolumab had significantly lower scores on an index used to track organ damage caused by lupus.
The findings are important because organ damage in lupus can contribute to premature death. A 1-point increase in the organ damage index has been associated with a 34% higher risk of early death in lupus patients. Anifrolumab’s ability to reduce this damage marks a promising advancement in lupus treatment, offering better outcomes for patients dealing with the long-term effects of the disease.
This study highlights the potential of anifrolumab in improving the management of lupus, not just by controlling inflammation but also by preventing the severe organ damage that can occur over time. With its promising results, anifrolumab offers new hope for people living with lupus and could become a valuable part of their treatment regimen.
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