title: Update on the use of biologics in lupus.
abstract: Systemic lupus erythematosus is more than a heterogeneous autoimmune disease. It is in fact a syndrome of many different clinical genotypes and phenotypes. This review covers the most recently studied monoclonal antibodies and those currently being investigated. The key trials are summarized, including those for biologics on the market for two decades and those just approved for lupus less than two years ago. The focus will be on the following four: Rituximab, Abatacept, Belimumab, and Epratuzumab. It is a challenge to design the perfect trial and study patients with this disease as each has his or her own unique manifestations, biological markers, and underlying genetic background. However, as our understanding of the immune mechanisms involved in lupus increases; novel therapies will emerge that can be utilized for appropriately selected patients.
authors.forename: Manisha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Relan
authors.forename: Sahana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vishwanath
authors.forename: Long
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Shen
authors.affiliation: Room C281, Buffalo General Hospital, 100 High Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA. jambrus@buffalo.edu.
authors.forename: Julian L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Ambrus
mesh_terms: D000069594:Abatacept; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000627:therapeutic use; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001688:Biological Products / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D018796:Immunoconjugates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000069283:Rituximab
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D001688:Biological Products; D018796:Immunoconjugates; D007155:Immunologic Factors; C448700:epratuzumab; D000069283:Rituximab; C511911:belimumab; D000069594:Abatacept