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Updated: Jan 31, 2026
05:39
Dermoscopy Aids in the Diagnosis of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: May 16, 2025
653
New biological agents in systemic lupus erythematosus
Martha Delgado1, Leanne M Wise1, William Stohl1
1Division of Rheumatology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy
|January 30, 2026
Summary
New biologic therapies offer promising treatment options for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Clinical trials are exploring targeted immunosuppression, but barriers remain for effective SLE management.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Belimumab, approved in 2011, was the first biologic for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
- This approval spurred research into additional biologic agents to broaden SLE treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review novel biologic therapies for SLE, focusing on agents targeting key pathophysiological pathways.
- To discuss the safety and efficacy of these emerging treatments based on clinical trial data.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE using keywords related to SLE and biologics.
- Inclusion of clinical trials and authors' personal collections for comprehensive review.
Main Results:
- Several novel biologics targeting BAFF/APRIL, type-I IFN, CD20, and CD40 pathways show promising efficacy.
- CAR-T therapy is also being investigated as a potential treatment modality for SLE.
Conclusions:
- The treatment landscape for SLE is evolving towards targeted immunosuppression based on individual patient phenotypes.
- Shared decision-making between patients and physicians is crucial for selecting appropriate therapies amidst new approvals.
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