Treatment with Gazyva shows some Advantages over Rituxan
New research finds that both Gazyva® (obinutuzumab) and Rituxan® (rituximab) are effective in treating lupus during the early stages of disease, but Gazyva may promote better treatment outcomes overall. Both therapies target B cells, immune-system cells involved in the production of autoantibodies and lupus disease activity, but Gazyva exhibits more direct B-cell killing effects.
The study assessed lupus-prone mice treated with Gazyva, Rituxan or a placebo. While both treatments showed favorable effects, Gazyva demonstrated notable advantages:
- Killing more B cells after a single dose
- Reducing glomerulonephritis (inflammation within the kidneys) and lupus biomarkers early in the disease
- Effectively treating the disease at a more advanced stage
- Prolonging survival with continual treatment
Consult your physician before making changes to your medication and continue to follow the Lupus Foundation of America for updates in lupus treatment news. Learn more about medications used to treat lupus.