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The following is a summary of “Anifrolumab in Refractory Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Real-World, Multicenter Study,” published in the July 2024 issue of Rheumatology by Tani et al. 

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to report real-world experiences with anifrolumab (ANI) in patients with refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). 

They conducted a multicenter, retrospective study at nine Italian SLE referral centers to evaluate ANI in adult patients with active SLE unresponsive to available treatments. Researchers recorded disease activity, flares, daily glucocorticoid (GC) doses, and adverse events at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. 

The results showed that 26 patients were enrolled. At 4 weeks after starting ANI, significant decreases were observed in the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (P = 0.01), SLE–Disease Activity Score (P = 0.01), and physician global assessment (P = 0.001), with similar trends over time. Reductions were also noted in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index-activity (P < 0.001), tender (P = 0.03), and swollen (P = 0.02) joint counts. At 3 months, 33% of patients achieved remission and 46% were in Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS); by 6 months, 50% were in remission and 80% were in LLDAS. A significant reduction in mean daily GC dose began at week 4 (P = 0.04). Then, 4 disease flares occurred (3 mild-moderate, 1 severe), and 4 of 20 patients with at least 24 weeks of follow-up (20%) were nonresponders. 

The study concluded that ANI demonstrates rapid effectiveness and an acceptable safety profile in patients with refractory SLE. 

Source: jrheum.org/content/early/2024/08/08/jrheum.2024-0053