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NKT cell activators potential SLE treatment, preclinical data show

GRI Bio announced what it called “encouraging preclinical data” on two systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) treatment candidates. SLE is the most common form of lupus. GRI-0124, an oral small molecule being developed to activate natural killer T-cells, or NKT cells, and keep autoimmune attacks in check eased inflammation…

Dual-target CAR T-cell therapy shows promise for SLE in small trial

A dual-target CAR T-cell therapy from iCell Gene Therapeutics safely led to medication-free disease remission for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in a small Phase 1 study. For patients with lupus nephritis (LN), a common and serious SLE manifestation involving the kidneys, renal function also was improved. Based…

Combinations of immune proteins drive different SLE symptoms

Different combinations and elevated levels of antiviral immune signaling proteins, called interferons (IFNs), were associated with differences in the symptoms and severity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a study shows. While IFNs are known to play a role in the disease, increases in IFN levels don ‘t explain many…

1st lupus patient treated with off-the-shelf FT819 CAR T-cell therapy

A 27-year-old woman with hard-to-treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common type of lupus, became the first patient treated in an early clinical trial evaluating FT819, Fate Therapeutics’ off-the-shelf CAR T-cell therapy candidate. The Phase 1 study (NCT06308978), taking place at the University of Minnesota Medical…

FDA updates Lupkynis label to include long-term efficacy data

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated the prescribing label for Lupkynis (voclosporin), which is approved to treat a severe manifestation of lupus called lupus nephritis, to include data that shows it continues to safely preserve kidney function for up to three years. The data came…

Cullinan developing treatment for lupus, other autoimmune diseases

Note: This story was updated May 6, 2024, to correct that Cullinan Therapeutics continues to pursue its oncology platform while also expanding into treatments for autoimmune diseases including lupus. Cullinan Therapeutics has announced its plans to exclusively pursue the development of its T-cell-engager CLN-978 as a treatment for…

Shared stories and outreach to mark May, Lupus Awareness Month

For this Lupus Awareness Month, marked each May, the focus is on educating people about the autoimmune disorder thought to affect about 1.5 million U.S. residents and more than 5 million individuals globally. World Lupus Day, bringing disease warriors worldwide together, will be observed on May…