Dr. Richard Furie presents highlights in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its various complications—such as lupus nephritis (LN), pulmonary involvement, and cutaneous manifestations—from the EULAR 2021 Virtual Congress.
The 6-month open-label extension of BLISS-LN assessed patients with LN after 2 years of double-blind treatment. Primary efficacy renal response and complete renal response (CRR) increased in both the belimumab-naïve and belimumab-experienced groups, with no new safety concerns.
The phase 2 TULIP-LN trial evaluated anifrolumab vs placebo alongside standard therapy in patients with active proliferative LN. Anifrolumab 900 mg for 3 doses, 300 mg thereafter was associated with improvements in CRR at week 52.
Another phase 2 study assessed BI 655064 vs placebo in patients with active proliferative LN. A high response to placebo prompted an exploratory analysis requiring confirmation of endpoint during weeks 46 and 52. Proportions of patients achieving confirmed CRR were higher in the 180- and 240-mg dosing groups vs placebo.
A single-center cohort of 300 patients assessed the frequency of pulmonary involvement; 16% had interstitial lung disease, nearly 7% had pulmonary hypertension, and 3% had shrinking lung syndrome.
The last 2 presentations are on cutaneous lupus. In one study, iberdomide had beneficial effects on cutaneous manifestations in patients with SLE, particularly those with subacute and chronic acute subtypes as well as those with high Aiolos or interferon gene expression signatures.
Lastly, a post hoc analysis of a phase 2 study evaluated the effects of BIIB059 on cutaneous lupus, and found that a greater proportion of participants achieved milder skin disease or clear/almost clear skin status in the BIIB059 groups vs placebo.
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Professor, Department of Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine, Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead;
Chief, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Northwell Health
Great Neck, New York
Richard Furie, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:
Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant, or trustee for: AstraZeneca; Biogen; Boehringer Ingelheim; Bristol-Myers Squibb; GlaxoSmithKline
Received research grant from: AstraZeneca; Biogen; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Boehringer Ingelheim; GlaxoSmithKline
Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: AstraZeneca; Biogen; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Boehringer Ingelheim; GlaxoSmithKline