Deutscher Rheumatologiekongress 2025
Anifrolumab in systemic lupus erythematosus – a real-world experience
2Universitätsmedizin der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, 1. Medizinische Klinik, Mainz
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Introduction: Anifrolumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the type I interferon receptor subunit 1, is a novel therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to evaluate its real-world effectiveness in patients treated at a German academic tertiary care center.
Methods: A prospective observational cohort of 26 SLE patients was analyzed over 24 months. Disease activity, medication use, and adverse events were assessed at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months of anifrolumab treatment.
Results: Significant reductions in disease activity (SLEDAI-2k, ECLAM) were observed as early as three months after starting anifrolumab. At 12 months, remission as defined by DORIS was achieved in 53% of patients, while lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) was reached in 89%. Mucocutaneous manifestations responded quickly, alongside significant improvements in fatigue and arthritis/arthralgia. Patients who had previously failed other therapies or had long-standing disease also showed favorable responses. These improvements were accompanied by a reduction in glucocorticoid doses. Anifrolumab was well tolerated, with no significant safety concerns observed during the study period.
Conclusion: In this real-world cohort, anifrolumab demonstrated rapid and sustained efficacy in reducing SLE disease activity, with high rates of remission and low disease activity achieved within one year of treatment. The therapy was effective regardless of prior treatments or disease duration and was associated with a reduction in glucocorticoid use. These findings support the use of anifrolumab as a valuable treatment option for patients with active SLE in clinical practice.
Confilct of interests: J. W. M., P. C., S. B. L., and M. M. received honoraria from AstraZeneca outside of the scope of the submitted work.
