Defects in the Ets1 gene in T-cells, immune system cells with known links to inflammation, caused the uncontrolled expansion of some of these cells in mice and induced systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) autoimmunity in the animals, researchers report. Blocking a cytokine known as interleukin (IL)-4 suppressed this cellular expansion and eased…
Rituxan (rituximab) is not effective at treating moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients without kidney involvement, a new analysis of the Phase 2/3 trial EXPLORER concluded. The results confirm a prior analysis…
The Lupus Research Alliance has awarded grants of up to $600,000 each to seven scientists from across the U.S. to promote the development of innovative therapies for lupus, the organization announced. The initiative…
Abnormalities in the skeletal muscle are not a major contributor to the fatigue experienced by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, a study based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggests, contradicting prior beliefs. The study, “Metabolic and structural skeletal muscle health in systemic lupus erythematosus related fatigue:…
Vaccinated patients with highly active systemic lupus erythematosus seem to lose their immunity levels over time, a study in rubella-vaccinated adolescents suggests. The study, “Risk factors associated with accelerated rubella-IgG antibody loss in previously vaccinated, treatment-naïve juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients: a prospective study,” was published in the…
Stress, depression, and pain — but not disease activity, sleep, or physical health — appear to be major contributors to fatigue among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a new study reports. The findings support that screening and treatment of these measures are included in the usual care of SLE patients, particularly…
Omalizumab — a treatment already approved for allergic asthma and chronic hives — is well-tolerated and reduces disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a Phase 1b clinical trial shows. Findings were published in the study, “Safety and Tolerability of Omalizumab, A Randomized Clinical…
Neovacs and Centurion Pharma will continue the joint development of the investigational vaccine IFNalpha Kinoid for people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) based on the positive results of a Phase 2b clinical study. The two companies had signed a licensing agreement in July 2017, establishing a…
A diet that is higher in fiber might benefit people with autoimmune diseases like lupus by reducing the amount of disease-causing bacteria in the gut, a new study suggests. The study, “A Diet-Sensitive Commensal Lactobacillus Strain, Mediates TLR7-Dependent Systemic Autoimmunity,” was published in Cell Host & Microbe.
Rituxan (rituximab), a medicine that is often used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), may also be effective at treating skin lesions in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), a study suggests. Researchers found that one year after treatment, 61% of patients experienced improvements in their skin lesions,…