New multitarget therapy for lupus nephritis shows promise

People with lupus nephritis could benefit from the use of a new multitarget therapy, says research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
The 24-week trial assessed the combination therapy that consisted of tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and steroids, compared with intravenous cyclophosphamide and steroids, as an induction therapy for lupus nephritis.
Adults aged 18 to 65 years with lupus nephritis were included in the study. The main goal was complete remission at 24 weeks. Secondary measurements included overall response, the time needed to take effect and any adverse events. Results showed that:
• 45.9% of patients in the multitarget group achieved complete remission after 24 weeks of treatment compared to only 25.6% of those in the intravenous cyclophosphamide group.
• Overall response incidence was 83.5% in the multitarget group compared to 63% in the intravenous cyclophosphamide group.
• Average time to overall response was shorter in the multitarget group.
• Number of adverse events did not differ between the two groups.
“Multitarget therapy provides superior efficacy compared with intravenous cyclophosphamide as induction therapy for lupus nephritis,” the researchers say.

Image credit: Hans Splinter

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