Biologics appear safe, effective in managing lupus nephritis

Biological agents for lupus nephritis (LN) appear to be safe and effective, according to a study that analyzed 9 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) 1645 patients.

The biologics studied included abatacept (n = 2), belimumab (n = 1), obinutuzumab (n = 1), atacicept (n = 1), IL-2 (n = 1), ocrelizumab (n = 1), and rituximab (n = 2).

Biologic use was associated with higher likelihood of achieving an overall response and a complete response and not with improvements in the urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio.

There was no increased risk of any adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, grade >3 AEs, infections, and deaths associated with biologic use in patients with LN.

A meta-regression analysis found that follow-up time and the sample size did not influence the complete response rate. However, publications from 2012 to 2014 influenced the complete response rate compared with 2015 to 2020.

Reference
Chen P, Zhou Y, Wu L, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Biologic Agents for Lupus Nephritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Clin Rheumatol. 2022;doi: 10.1097/RHU.0000000000001877. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35699520.