Biologic preserves kidney function in some patients with lupus nephritis

The risk of a combined endpoint of renal events or death was halved in patients on belimumab, researchers report
Reuters Health Staff writer
model of kidneys

Intravenous belimumab combined with standard therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can help preserve kidney function in patients with active lupus nephritis and is associated with reduced renal morbidity and mortality, trial results show.

Patients on the therapy in the phase 3 trial had half the risk of a combined end point of death or a renal-related event, the results showed.