A new investigational therapy for lupus called ESK-001 has entered Phase 2B study and researchers are administering the oral drug to study participants. ESK-001 inhibits or blocks the tyrosine kinase 2 or TYK2 enzyme, preventing it from triggering inflammation. TYK2 is a critical driver of disease in lupus. In the LUMUS trial, 388 people living with moderate to severe active lupus who test positive for autoantibodies will be administered the therapy or a placebo for 48 weeks. The group’s overall disease activity will be assessed post-study to determine if the drug reduces flare activity. Continue to follow the Lupus Foundation of America for updates on ESK-001 as well as other lupus clinical trials. 

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