Two-Year, Randomized, Controlled Trial of Belimumab in Lupus Nephritis
RCT (n-448) found that more patients who received belimumab plus standard therapy (mycophenolate mofetil or cyclophosphamide–azathioprine) had a primary efficacy renal response than those who received standard therapy alone (43% vs. 32% placebo; OR 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0-2.3; p=0.03)
Source:
New England Journal of Medicine
SPS commentary:
An editorial notes that on the basis of this trial, belimumab may have a role in augmenting induction treatment with mycophenolate mofetil in patients with active lupus nephritis. It adds that greater specification of the patients who may potentially benefit is important, as is testing whether belimumab might facilitate glucocorticoid tapering and whether the risks of end-stage kidney disease and flares decrease in patients with poor prognostic factors.