New treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus

Improved understanding of the immunopathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has paved the way for new selective treatment strategies for these inflammatory systemic diseases, similarly to diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and the spondylarthritides. New specific biologics were developed or are being developed and open up new treatment options for patients. Belimumab is particularly important in this respect. The monoclonal antibody that blocks the cytokine BAFF/BLyS is the first medicament approved for the treatment of serologically active SLE in the last decade and also the first biologic approved for this disease. A number of other biologics for the treatment of SLE are in clinical development. This article addresses the promising new drugs currently under development for the treatment of SLE.