Lupus, the autoimmune disease, has long baffled doctors and left patients feeling helpless. But now, hope has emerged in the form of advanced treatments. These groundbreaking therapies are revolutionizing the management of lupus, offering patients a chance to reclaim their lives.
Lupus: An Autoimmune Disease
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues and organs. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and organ damage.1
Lupus is often difficult to diagnose, as its symptoms can mimic those of other conditions. However, early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing serious complications.
New Lupus Treatments Offer Hope
Until recently, treatment options for lupus were limited and often ineffective. However, the development of targeted therapies has revolutionized the outlook for patients with lupus. These drugs work by specifically targeting the overactive immune cells that cause inflammation and damage to the body’s tissues.
Targeted Medications for Lupus
Several targeted medications have been approved for the treatment of lupus.2 Some of these include:
- Saphnelo (anifrolumab): This drug was approved in August 2021 and is the first new lupus treatment to be approved in over a decade. Saphnelo is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the activity of a protein called interferon-alpha, which is involved in the inflammation process.
- Benlysta (belimumab): This drug was approved in 2011 and is another monoclonal antibody that targets the B-cells that produce antibodies that attack the body’s own tissues.
- Lupkynis (voclosporin): This drug was approved in January 2021 and is a calcineurin inhibitor that suppresses the activity of T-cells, which are also involved in the inflammation process.
These targeted medications have been shown to be effective in reducing disease activity, improving symptoms, and preventing organ damage in patients with lupus. Talk to your doctor to discuss your options.
Start a Search Today!
If you or someone you know is living with lupus, it’s important to learn more about these new treatment options. Talk to your doctor about whether a targeted medication may be right for you. You can also find more information online from reputable sources such as the Lupus Foundation of America and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Don’t wait any longer to take control of your lupus. Start a search today and discover the hope that these new treatments offer.