Monthly belimumab infusions preserve kidney function in some lupus patients

Reuters Health - 16/09/2020 - Intravenous belimumab combined with standard lupus therapy can help preserve kidney function in patients with active lupus nephritis and cut the odds of death or a renal-related event by half, a phase 3 multinational study has concluded. After 2 years of therapy, 43% of 224 volunteers getting the drug monthly showed a renal response compared to 32% of the same number of patients receiving placebo (P=0.03). Thirty percent had a complete renal response versus 20% with placebo (P=0.02). The difference was seen from the 12th week onward. A complete response was a ratio of urinary protein to creatinine of less than 0.5, an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) that was no worse than 10% below the value before a renal flare or at least 90 ml per minute per 1.73 square meters, and no use of rescue therapy. For a partial response, the urinary protein/creatinine had to be 0.7 or lower, the eGRF had to be no worse than 20% below the ...

Please login to read the full text of the article.

If you have no account yet, please register now.

Posted on 16 September, 202030 September, 2020