A recent study has shed light on the role of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in SLE pathogenesis. In particular, patients with lupus nephritis have an abundance of 24 miRNAs, many of which play a role in regulatory feedback loops…
Voclosporin Promising for Lupus Nephritis
In a recent clinical trial, voclosporin proved safe and effective at both low and high doses as a treatment for lupus nephritis…
Tacrolimus Use for Lupus Nephritis Raises Debate over Role in North American Population
The following summary regarding use of tacrolimus (TAC) in lupus nephritis highlights a number of debatable points. Although the role of TAC in lupus nephritis remains unproved for North American populations, it might be an excellent option in some clinical situations. These situations include lupus flare during pregnancy and also for lupus nephritis when the…
2015 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting: Latest Clinical Literature Offers New Strategies in Lupus Nephritis
SAN FRANCISCO—Rheumatologists have to look no further than the American College of Rheumatology guidelines to know that the options for patients with lupus nephritis are sometimes not very appealing. The first-line choices are either mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) plus glucocorticoids or cyclophosphamide (CYC), also with glucocorticoids—and all of their attendant side effects. The problem: evidence, said…
Oxycodone Capsules Put on Hold; Clinical Trials for Lupus Nephritis & SLE Therapies
Due to a lawsuit, the FDA has issued only tentative approval for an extended-release oxycodone capsule. Obinutuzumab is in clinical trials for lupus nephritis, and subcutaneous belimumab is being tested for SLE…
Lupus Nephritis Therapies Compared, Plus Naming Guidance for Biosimilars
Comparing tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and cyclophosphamide, tacrolimus was the most efficacious. Also, biosimilars may soon be easier to differentiate…
Understanding SLE-Associated Skin Injury May Open the Door to Therapies
In a recent review, researchers addressed skin injury in patients with SLE, discussing the effects of ultraviolet rays on the skin and the subsequent generation of autoantibodies. They concluded that UV rays activate immune cells where IgG has been deposited, resulting in inflammation…
New Study Examines Pregnancy Risk Factors for Patients with Lupus
Important new findings show that a majority of women with inactive or stable SLE can have successful pregnancies without experiencing flares and give birth to infants who survive the neonatal period…
2014 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting: Lupus Nephritis
Multi-targeted, aggressive drug therapies needed for complete response, remission of this lupus complication
Cure, Effective Treatment for Lupus Nephritis Remain Elusive Despite Advances
Rheumatology experts review history of LN, offer explanations for roadblocks to better therapies