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Biologics in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

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Handbook of Biologics for Rheumatological Disorders

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Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder associated with significant mortality and morbidity in the younger population. The disease is characterized by periods of flare and remission, leading to accrual of damage in multiple organ systems, which is contributed by ongoing disease activity and treatment-related toxicities. More effective but less toxic therapies are unmet needs for the management of SLE. A number of novel agents are being studied for their efficacy in renal and non-renal lupus. Belimumab (anti-BlyS) is the first biological agent approved for the treatment of SLE. More recent data show that belimumab enhances the renal response rate when added to the standard of care in lupus nephritis. Other biological agents targeting the B cells (such as obinutuzumab, a newer generation anti-CD20) and the type I interferon pathway (such as anifrolumab) also show promise in randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials of SLE. This chapter summarizes succinctly the status of different biological and targeted agents that have been tested or are being tested in patients with SLE.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China

    Chi Chiu Mok

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  1. Chi Chiu Mok
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  1. Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India

    Neeraj Jain  & Lalit Duggal  & 

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Mok, C.C. (2022). Biologics in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). In: Jain, N., Duggal, L. (eds) Handbook of Biologics for Rheumatological Disorders. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-7200-2_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-7200-2_6

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-16-7199-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-16-7200-2

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