MOONLIGHT Study Will Assess Effectiveness of Belimumab for People of Asian Ethnicity with Lupus Nephritis

A new study looking at the effectiveness of belimumab (Benlysta) as a treatment for people of Asian ethnicity living with lupus nephritis (LN) will address gaps in understanding using post-clinical trial evidence. LN is a common but potentially life-threatening complication of lupus involving the kidneys that occurs more often in people with lupus of Asian ethnicity (as high as 60%-70%) compared to the White lupus population (29%-38%). Belimumab has been available as a treatment for LN in Japan since 2017, making it a key population in which to study belimumab’s real-world effectiveness.

The MOONLIGHT (post-Marketed effectiveness of belimumab cOhOrt and JapaN Lupus NatIonwide ReGistry (LUNA) coHorT) study is an observational study of people with LN living in Japan. This study will examine the occurrence of renal (kidney) flares over a 36-month period among those treated with belimumab and standard therapy compared to the occurrence of renal flares among people treated with standard therapy alone. Additionally, changes in corticosteroid dose, renal disease activity, and disease severity will also be analyzed.

This study will provide important evidence in evaluating LN treatment options for people of Asian ethnicity, especially as belimumab’s effectiveness in LN has not been extensively studied. Learn more about treatments being studied for lupus.

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