Interleukin-2 Based Therapy Shows Promise in People with Moderate-to-Severe Lupus

A new phase II clinical trial finds the drug ILT-101 (also known as aldesleukin or the brand name Proleukin®) is safe and beneficial for people with lupus. ILT-101 is a low-dose human recombinant interleukin 2 (IL-2) treatment. IL-2-based therapies are currently approved for the treatment of certain cancers and work by helping the immune system maintain tolerance and control which is important for limiting the progression of autoimmune diseases like lupus.

The primary endpoint was not met in the intention-to-treat group due to a placebo effect at two study sites. However, researchers performed an additional analysis of the 53 participants at other sites with moderate-to-severe lupus disease activity who were randomly assigned to receive either ILT-101 or a placebo (a harmless, inactive treatment). At 12 weeks, significantly more people treated with ILT-101 achieved a clinically meaningful decrease in their disease activity compared to the placebo group.

Additionally, more people in the ILT-101 group saw greater reductions in disease activity, while some achieved clinical remission. Their disease activity improved more quickly than those receiving the placebo as well.

The results suggest that ILT-101 may offer a promising treatment strategy for people with lupus, and further clinical trials are warranted. The drug also offers a unique approach to lupus treatment by restoring immune tolerance and control rather than suppressing it, as many other lupus medications do. Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your treatment regimen and continue to follow the Lupus Foundation of America for lupus drug news.

Learn more about treatments being studied for lupus.

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