Anifrolumab (SAPHNELO®) Associated with Low Lupus Disease Activity

In further Phase 3 TULIP trial research of anifrolumab, commonly known as SAPHNELO®, people with lupus taking the drug experienced earlier, more frequent, and more prolonged and sustained low lupus disease activity state (LLDAS). Typically, low disease activity levels help improve outcomes in people with lupus.

Researchers analyzed 52-weeks of TULIP-1 and TULIP-2 trial data from 819 people with moderate to severe lupus who received anifrolumab or placebo. At 52 weeks:

•  25% of study participants attained LLDAS and improvements were 3x greater among those who attained LLDAS compared to those who did not
• 30% saw increased time in LLDAS and sustained LLDAS
• 15.3% attained remission by week 52

LLDAS is defined by several key measurable requirements that indicate low disease activity level. In this study, the researchers used the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group-based Composite Lupus Assessment (BICLA) score and the SLE Responder Index-4 (SRI(4)) to assess efficacy.

Anifrolumab continues to prove an effective treatment for lupus. Additionally, this study suggests that remission is an attainable goal with the use of targeted therapies in lupus and further analyses of remission attainment in this trial are planned. Learn more about treatments being studied for lupus.

Read the study