In Combination with Standard Therapy, Obinutuzumab Demonstrates Kidney Function Preservation and Flare Prevention in People with Lupus Nephritis

In a new study, researchers looked at the impact of adding obinutuzumab to the standard of care treatment plan for lupus nephritis (LN, lupus-related kidney disease) to determine if its addition could improve long-term preservation of kidney function with less glucocorticoids use, which can have a variety of side effects from long-term use. The addition of obinutuzumab therapy resulted in superior kidney function preservation and prevention of LN flares compared to standard therapy.

Researchers analyzed data from the phase 2 NOBILITY trial wherein, 125 participants with LN were randomly assigned to receive obinutuzumab (63 people) or the placebo (62 people). Both groups received mycophenolate mofetil (an immunosuppressive) and glucocorticoids. They looked at the time it took participants to develop unfavorable kidney outcomes, LN flares, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, a measure used to assess how well your kidneys are filtering blood). Compared to the placebo, those taking obinutuzumab saw significantly reduced risk of unfavorable kidney outcomes by 60%, LN flares by 57%, and declines in eGFR.

Obinutuzumab, when taken in combination with standard therapy, is the first CD20-targeted biologic to show efficacy and safety in LN compared with standard therapy alone. To further evaluate efficacy of the treatment, a phase 3 REGENCY trial is currently enrolling people with active proliferative LN. Learn more about lupus and the kidneys.

Read the study