title: Recent developments in the treatment of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: focusing on biologic therapies.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Major trials hoping to obtain optimal disease control in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are ongoing. Given its complex aetiology and pathogenesis, it is not surprising that multiple therapeutic targets have emerged and that none are uniformly successful.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this review, we highlight the recent, more significant studies focusing on the use of biologic therapies. There has been great emphasis on the role of B cells in SLE and many uncontrolled studies have encouraged the use of rituximab (an anti-CD20 monoclonal). Disappointingly, two major trials, EXPLORER and LUNAR did not confirm its utility, although doubts have been expressed on their trial design, and other trials using this drug are commencing. In contrast, belimumab, which blocks a B-cell activating factor, did meet its end points in two major randomised controlled clinical trials and has been approved for use in SLE by both the FDA and the European Medicines Agency. Encouraging, albeit preliminary, results with epratuzumab (which blocks CD22) have also been reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In addition to targeting B cells, other approaches including biologics, which modulate T-cell function and block interleukin-6 and interferon-α, have been explored. Finally, we review the recent developments in the use of conventional drugs, such as cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate.
authors.affiliation: University College Hospital, Department of Rheumatology , 3rd floor central, 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PG , UK.
authors.forename: Zozik
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Fattah
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Isenberg
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000627:therapeutic use; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / Q000627:therapeutic use; D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D001688:Biological Products / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001691:Biological Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000639:trends*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000276:immunology; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy*; D000069283:Rituximab; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor; D001688:Biological Products; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D015850:Interleukin-6; C448700:epratuzumab; D000069283:Rituximab; C511911:belimumab