Idorsia announced that the first person has entered screening for the investigational drug cenerimod for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In the Phase 3 OPUS trial, researchers aim to assess the efficacy and safety of the oral drug. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted the therapy fast-track status, expediting development and regulatory review.

Cenerimod traps both B cells and T cells to prevent lupus disease from spreading to other parts of the body. In the Phase 2 studies, the drug was generally well tolerated in people with moderate to severe SLE, exhibiting clinically meaningful and continuous improvement. More than 800 people with lupus are expected to enroll in the Phase 3 study across 25 countries.

Continue to follow the Lupus Foundation of America for updates on cenerimod and learn more about medications used to treat lupus.

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