Lupkynis Continues to Prove Safe and Effective for People with Lupus Nephritis
Update September 2, 2021
Ongoing studies of Lupkynis™ (voclosporin) continue to produce important advancements in the safety and efficacy of the drug for patients with lupus nephritis. A recent study found that voclosporin, in combination with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and low-dose steroids led to a clinically and statistically superior complete renal response rate versus MMF and low-dose steroids alone, with a comparable safety profile.
A phase 3 clinical trial finds the drug Lupkynis™ (voclosporin), combined with standard of care therapy, significantly improves kidney function in people with the lupus-related kidney disease, lupus nephritis (LN). The latest data underscores earlier reporting demonstrating the drug’s efficacy. The oral medication was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in January 2021 for the treatment of LN when combined with an immunosuppressive therapy regimen.
This latest research enrolled 357 adults with LN from 142 hospitals across 27 countries. Of those receiving Lupkynis plus standard of care therapies mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and low-dose corticosteroids, 41% reached the desired improvements in kidney function after 52 weeks of treatment. By comparison, just 23% of those in the control group achieved the same optimal level of kidney improvement over the same time period.
Treatment with Lupkynis was associated with superior kidney health as early as four weeks after treatment began. And importantly, the new medication was well tolerated by the study participants and demonstrated a strong safety profile. Serious adverse events (e.g., infections) were reported in 21% of those treated with Lupkynis and 21% of people not treated with the drug.
The latest findings are highly encouraging and reaffirm the medication’s positive impact on LN. Up to 60% of people with lupus will develop LN and finding new and better ways to treat the disease is essential. Continue to follow the Lupus Foundation of America for up-to-date treatment news and learn more about lupus and the kidneys.