Saphnelo consistently reduces systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity

New subgroup analyses from the TULIP Phase III clinical trial program showed Saphnelo (anifrolumab), a first-in-class type I interferon antagonist, in addition to standard therapy, resulted in a greater reduction in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity regardless of disease duration, standard therapy type and prior treatment, compared to standard therapy alone.

The data will be presented at ACR Convergence 2021, the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), from November 5 to 9, 2021.

Acquired by Anglo-Swedish pharma major AstraZeneca’s (LSE: AZN) in 2004 from Medarex (now a part of Bristol Myers Squibb [NYSE: BMY]), Saphnelo was approved in the USA for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who are receiving standard therapy in August this year, and in Japan in September. It is also under regulatory review in the European Union for the treatment of SLE.