Researchers Found belimumab and anifrolumab to be Comparable Treatment Options for Lupus

A new study looked at the efficacy of two lupus treatments, belimumab (Benlysta®) and anifrolumab (Saphnelo®), and found the two treatments are generally comparable after 52 weeks of use in people with lupus.

Currently, belimumab and anifrolumab are the only two approved monoclonal antibody therapies approved for lupus treatment. The researchers conducted an extensive literature review of the two therapies, including an indirect treatment comparison, analyzing data from multiple drug trials. Their review did not find any evidence to support that changing treatment from belimumab to anifrolumab or vice versa is beneficial to the patient. However, belimamab exhibited a higher probability (58%) of being the more effective treatment versus anifrolumab (42%).

Researchers suggest further studies on specific groups of people with lupus to identify if one treatment could be more beneficial than the other. Work with your health care team to tailor your treatment plan to your specific symptoms. Learn more about medications used to treat lupus and finding the treatment plan that’s right for you.

Read the study