LUPKYNIS Continues to Show Promising Lupus Nephritis Outcomes

The drug treatment, LUPKYNIS® (voclosporin), reduced inflammation and prevented development of kidney damage in people with lupus nephritis (LN, lupus-related kidney disease) over 18 months. Those taking the medication also didn’t exhibit any signs of kidney-related toxicity. LUPKYINS® is a novel, structurally modified calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) that works in two ways – acting as an immunosuppressant through inhibition of T-cell activation and cytokine production, and by promoting podocyte stability in the kidney.

The AURORA Renal Biopsy Sub-Study was conducted to further validate the therapy, which is already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In the study, select participants (26 total) underwent repeat biopsies over 18 months and their tissue samples were analyzed to assess disease activity levels, and measure inflammation and kidney damage. Compared to baseline, the activity scores for both LUPKYNIS and active control populations improved to a similar degree, while the chronicity scores remained stable over time in both arms.

Dr. Brad Rovin, Professor of Nephrology and Director, Division of Nephrology at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and member of LFA Medical-Scientific Advisory Council said, “The lack of histologic evidence of CNI nephrotoxicity and the absence of progression of chronic kidney damage after approximately 18 months of treatment further strengthen the overall evidence supporting the long-term safety of LUPKYNIS in LN patients.”

LN affects up to 60% of people with lupus. Continue to follow the Lupus Foundation of America for breaking news in lupus drug development, and learn more about LUPKYNIS.

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