New Study Identifies Four Distinct Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Progression Patterns

In a new study, researchers examined four randomized controlled trials of belimumab (Benlysta®) to gain a better understanding of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) active disease progression with the hopes of improving future clinical trial design. Four distinct progression patterns were identified. 

The records of 2,868 people living with SLE for an average of 4.5 years were analyzed across four clinical trials of belimumab, including BLISS-52, BLISS-76, BLISS-SC, and EMBRACE. Individuals were grouped based on disease activity from clinical and routine laboratory parameters, patient-reported outcomes, as well as glucocorticoid use and dose after 52 weeks. Four disease progression groups or classes emerged based on varying degrees of disease activity with distinct longitudinal trajectories: highly active responders, highly active non-responders, moderately active responders, and moderately active non-responders. These groups provide insights on patterns of disease evolution in response to treatment and emphasize the importance of a holistic treatment approach to SLE that includes both clinical measures and patient-reported experiences. 

More research is needed to validate these trajectories and our understanding of SLE disease evolution. Learn more about belimumab (Benlysta®).

Read the study