News

CMV viral infections in SLE children linked to poor outcomes

Viral infections with cytomegalovirus, known as CMV, are highly prevalent in children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and are linked to high disease activity and poor outcomes, a study in China reports. Given that anti-CMV treatment can reduce disease activity and flares, the virus’ early identification and treatment…

Long-term safety of Lupkynis for SLE confirmed in AURORA trial

Over 18 months, the approved therapy Lupkynis (voclosporin) lessened inflammation and prevented further kidney damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with active lupus nephritis, without any signs of kidney-related toxicity seen with similar treatments. New top-line data show participants in the Lupkynis treatment arm of the now…

Cabaletta’s CAR T-cell therapy cleared for SLE Phase 1/2 trial

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared a Phase 1/2 clinical trial to test CABA-201, Cabaletta Bio’s investigational CAR T-cell therapy, in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with or without kidney involvement. Cabaletta asked to launch the trial in the form of an investigational new…

New public-private consortium forms to advance lupus treatments

The Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) has convened a public-private consortium to bring together the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and key stakeholders to overcome scientific hurdles in lupus and advance new personalized treatments. The patient-focused Lupus Accelerating Breakthroughs Consortium (Lupus ABC) will also be made up…

Upadacitinib headed to Phase 3 testing in SLE

Treatment with upadacitinib led to a significant reduction in disease activity for people with moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a Phase 2 clinical trial, according to top-line results announced by its developer, AbbVie. Based on these positive results, AbbVie now is planning to advance upadacitinib to Phase 3 clinical…

Organ damage in SLE is linked to cognitive dysfunction

Organ damage is associated with a 1.49-times higher odds of having severe cognitive dysfunction in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a new study reports. Organ damage was also associated with worse performance in multiple neuropsychological domains, such as working memory, processing speed, and complex attention. By contrast, the…

Enzyme tied to inflammatory immune cell activity in lupus

An enzyme called fumarate hydratase is involved in the control of the inflammatory activity of macrophages, a type of immune cell with a central role in driving inflammatory disorders like lupus, researchers report. “No-one has made a link from Fumarate Hydratase to inflammatory macrophages before and we feel that…