Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are more likely to have a chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection than those without lupus, according to a study. The research, “Chronic hepatitis C viral infection among SLE patients: the significance of coexistence,” was published in the journal Immunologic Research.
Worldwide Clinical Trials has been chosen to conduct Aurinia Pharmaceuticals’ Phase 3 trial, called AURORA, evaluating voclosporin as a potential treatment for active lupus nephritis (LN). The trial is expected to begin by mid-year. The company plans to use the study’s results to support a New Drug…
Celgene Corporation announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Delinia, a biotech developing therapeutics for autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The acquisition will expand Celgene’s inflammation and immunology pipeline of potential next-generation medicines, including Delinia’s lead program, DEL106. DEL106 is a potent and highly…
Immunovia‘s IMMray antibody-analysis technology can differentiate systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjögren’s disease, and vasculitis with an accuracy of more than 90%, according to new research. Immunovia teamed up with Lund University’s IDEA Center in Sweden to evaluate IMMray as a biomarker that can distinguish between SLE and…
A defect in the C1q genes commonly associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may promote serious neuropsychiatric symptoms in those with the disease, a case study suggests. The research, “C1q Deficiency and Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus,” was published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology. C1q deficiency is…
Researchers have identified a factor that controls immune cells’ entry into joints, which leads to arthritis in diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Though they are studying other factors in the process, they believe these findings could lead to new treatments that are more effective in preventing arthritis. “Inflammatory arthritis is caused when immune…
Blocking a protein that controls the immune system’s reaction to a virus may also be used to prevent autoimmune reactions in diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, research indicates. Although the PLSCR1 protein was discovered in the brain, researchers are exploring its role in inflammatory diseases throughout the body. An…
Those with severe cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have low levels of vitamin D, according to new research. The study, “25-Hydroxivitamin D Serum Concentration, Not Free and Bioavailable Vitamin D, Is Associated with Disease Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients,” was published in the journal PLoS One. Vitamin D deficiency is common in SLE patients. Because…
Failure of patients with lupus nephritis (LN, class III and IV) to respond to initial therapy within 12 weeks is a predictor of poor kidney response and increased disease severity, a study shows. The research, “Lack of partial renal response by 12 weeks after induction therapy predicts poor renal response…
A consortium of European researchers has received nearly 15 million euros in European Commission funding to study chronic inflammatory diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus. The goal is to develop treatments that target the root causes of the diseases. The grant, the equivalent of $16 million, is also aimed at developing…