EMERGING THERAPIES FOR SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS: WHAT'S NEW?

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with a heterogeneous clinical presentation. Traditional treatment relies on the use of immunosuppressants and glucocorticoids; however, this approach is associated with significant adverse effects, driving the search for new therapeutic strategies. This integrative literature review aimed to analyze the main emerging or recently approved drugs for the treatment of SLE, evaluating their clinical efficacy and safety profile. A search was conducted in the PubMed and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases, and a total of 20 scientific articles were included after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data indicate that anifrolumab, belimumab, and voclosporin (in combination with mycophenolate mofetil) are the most promising and already approved options for patients with moderate to severe SLE or active lupus nephritis. In addition, investigational biological therapies, such as rituximab combined with belimumab, as well as phase II oral immunomodulators—upadacitinib, elsubrutinib, deucravacitinib, mazagitamab, and iberdomide—showed encouraging results but still require validation in phase III trials. Baricitinib, although initially promising, demonstrated limited clinical benefit and an unfavorable safety profile and is therefore not recommended at this time. In conclusion, current therapeutic advances point to a transition toward more targeted, personalized, and less toxic treatments, contributing to improved disease control and quality of life for patients with SLE.