immunosuppressant medication. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of lupus nephritis in January 2012.
Type I interferon receptor antibody
In August 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved anifrolumab-fnia (Saphnelo™), a first-in-class type I interferon receptor antagonist indicated for adults with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The approval represents the first new treatment for generalized SLE in more than a decade and is the result of significant seminal research funded originally by the Lupus Research Alliance.
In addition to treatments for lupus itself, you may also take additional medications to treat lupus-related problems such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure or infection.
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Why are new treatments needed?
Just two drugs specifically for lupus have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in more than 60 years, with over a decade in between. Because lupus affects each person differently and the symptoms vary widely, no one medication can work for everyone.
A variety of medications that target different mechanisms involved in causing the disease as well as options with fewer and less severe side effects are critically needed.
In order to get the proper treatment to effectively treat your lupus, it is important to work with members of your health care team. Ultimately, your treatment plan will depend on your age, symptoms, general health, and lifestyle. Keep in mind that it can take months – or even years – to find the right combination of medicines to control your symptoms. Your medication may also need to be adjusted as your symptoms and your needs change, so it is important to have regular exams and lab tests to track your lupus.