We are working to address unmet needs in lupus nephritis and make a meaningful difference to the lives of those affected.
Lupus nephritis is a potentially life-threatening manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease that commonly affects the kidneys.1 It affects approximately 1.7 million people worldwide and has a profound impact on their lives and outlook, with up to a third of people progressing to end-stage kidney disease within 10 years, where the only options are dialysis or transplant.2-4
Currently, there is no cure.1
Applying our long-standing expertise in immunology, we want to deliver meaningful innovation that addresses unmet needs, importantly aiming to prevent or delay progression to end-stage kidney disease. This includes working closely with the lupus nephritis community, who are predominantly women and of colour - traditionally underrepresented in drug development - to understand and break down the barriers they face.5
References
Hocaoglu M, et al. Incidence, Prevalence, and Mortality of Lupus Nephritis: A Population-Based Study Over Four Decades—The Lupus Midwest Network (LUMEN). Arthritis Rheumatol. 2023;75(4): 567-573.
Tian J, et al. Global epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus: a comprehensive systematic analysis and modelling study. Ann Rheum Dis. 2023;82:351-56
Hoi A, et al. Systemic lupus erythematosus. The Lancet. 2024;403(10441):2326-2338
Mok C, et al. Treatment of lupus nephritis: consensus evidence and perspectives. Natures reviews rheumatology. 2023;19:227-238
Parikh SV, et al. Update on Lupus Nephritis: Core Curriculum 2020. Am J Kidney Dis. 2020;76:265-28
Dr Ioannis Parodis on important considerations when caring for patients with lupus nephritis.