Bad Abbach

Researchers are investigating the treatment outcomes of subcutaneous anifrolumab 120 mg given once weekly as add-on therapy to antimalarials, with or without glucocorticoids GCs, in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus SLE who have not previously received immunosuppressants or biologic therapies and are not in low disease activity status at enrollment. This Phase 3, multinational, open-label study aims to better understand remission rates, including DORIS remission, and the ability to taper and withdraw chronic GCs in this patient group. Participants will receive anifrolumab administered subcutaneously once weekly for 52 weeks using an autoinjector pen. The study includes a screening period of up to 35 days before treatment starts. For patients on higher doses of GCs at baseline, a structured tapering protocol will be followed from week 5 to week 40, aiming to reduce GC doses to 5 mgday and potentially withdraw GCs completely after sustained remission. After week 40, no further GC dose reductions will occur. An additional 12-week safety follow-up is planned for participants who discontinue anifrolumab after week 52. During the study, participants will undergo regular assessments including clinical evaluations, quality of life and fatigue questionnaires, and laboratory tests to monitor disease activity and remission status. Researchers will measure outcomes such as attainment and duration of DORIS remission, low disease activity, flare incidence, and changes in GC use. Safety will be monitored throughout treatment and in the follow-up period. The total study duration for participants is approximately 69 weeks, including screening, treatment, and safety follow-up.