Biologic Therapy, Telitacicept, Found to be Effective and Safe Potential Treatment Option for Lupus

New research finds the biologic therapy, telitacicept, effective, well tolerated, and safe as a potential treatment of lupus, especially lupus nephritis. Biologic therapies use substances made from living organisms like proteins and antibodies, versus conventional drugs, which are chemically made. Telitacicept targets B cell activity which are responsible for creating antibodies, including autoantibodies, and are thought to play a role in the development and progression of autoimmune diseases.

Researchers in China administered the therapy to twenty people with lupus. After 4 to 45 weeks of treatment, the group saw an overall improvement in disease activity and required lower doses of other commonly used medications such as corticosteroid and immunosuppressive drugs (43% no longer required immunosuppressive treatment). Urine protein levels also declined after treatment in the group, and seven participants saw improved renal (kidney) function.

Expanding effective and safe treatment options for lupus is important. Continue to follow the Lupus Foundation of America for updates on telitacicept and learn more about medications used to treat lupus.

Read the study