United States: The inflammatory process of Lupus will permanently damage various vital organs, including lungs, kidneys, heart, liver, and others.
The research indicates that a newer lupus medication successfully shields patients from substantial organ damage development, as reported by HealthDay.
Breakthrough in Lupus Treatment
The study results in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases showed that Anifrolumab (Saphnelo) minimized the risk of lasting organ damage progression to 60% among patients dealing with moderate to severe lupus activity.
“Anifrolumab plus standard of care (SOC) is effective at reducing organ damage accumulation and prolonging time to organ damage progression compared to SOC alone over 4 years,” a team led by Dr. Zahi Touma, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Toronto, concluded.
Researcher background notes describe how lupus patients receive treatment from multiple medications, which include anti-inflammatory medications including steroids alongside antimalarials and immunosuppressants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Studies revealed that these prescription drugs fail to protect lupus-affected organs and sometimes enhance their damage process.
Anifrolumab served as a testing candidate for potential integration into existing lupus medication treatment plans due to evaluate its ability in organ protection.
In 2021 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized anifrolumab as a medication for systemic lupus erythematosus which represents the primary lupus subtype.
Researcher findings indicate that anifrolumab functions as a monoclonal antibody by blocking type 1 interferon receptor sites which promote inflammation.
The drug administration process requires monthly intravenous delivery through an IV drip according to Drugs.com.
Study Results
Research investigators assessed the performance of anifrolumab by testing 354 patients against a control group of 561 patients who received standard lupus treatment. Research participants comprising all these patients enabled scientists to approve anifrolumab for deployment in the United States.
Patients who received anifrolumab experienced lower organ damage scores by 0.43 points within the lupus index.
Research showed that each point increase in the index elevates premature mortality risk for lupus patients by 34%, as documented previously, as reported by HealthDay.
Looking Ahead
Subjects who received anifrolumab experienced a 61% reduced chance for organ damage to progress, according to study results.
AstraZeneca funded the research to develop Saphnelo as they produce this medication.