Anifrolumab considerably improves outcomes in refractory discoid lupus erythematosus

A new article published in the Journal of American Medical Association suggests that in a short retrospective research, every patient with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) who had not reacted to many common treatments showed considerable improvement when given anifrolumab (Saphnelo).

DLE is a kind of chronic cutaneous lupus that can leave people with permanent scarring and deformity. An interesting result from one of the pivotal trialsopens in a new tab or window supporting anifrolumab's approval for systemic lupus in 2021, according to Shaw and colleagues, was that 49% of patients taking the medication demonstrated at least a 50% reduction in skin manifestations, as opposed to 25% of the placebo group. A monoclonal antibody, anifrolumab targets the type 1 interferon receptor subunit 1 and has a distinct mode of action. As type 1 interferon expression is known to be correlated with the activity of the DLE illness, they proposed that anifrolumab would be a suitable treatment for DLE patients.

The mean scores on the Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (CLASI) activity subscale decreased by 65% among eight patients who received anifrolumab treatment for at least eight weeks. The researchers reported their findings in JAMA Dermatology opens in a new tab or window. All patients saw some drop in CLASI activity levels, ranging from 46% to 79%. In every instance, patients assessed their pain and itchiness as "much better" and no side effects were noted.