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What is lupus nephritis?

Two doctors examine human kidneys

A kidney disease caused by the autoimmune condition systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

In lupus nephritis, the immune system targets the kidneys, leading to inflammation and an irreversible loss of nephrons, the filtering structures of the kidneys. The damage to the kidneys usually gets worse over time, with up to a third of people progressing to kidney failure within 10 years.1 There is no cure.

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Kidney failure occurs when almost all (over 85%) kidney function is lost. When the kidneys fail, dialysis or a kidney transplant are needed to survive.2

1 of 3 adults icon

Around 1 in 3 adults with SLE will have lupus
nephritis at the time of diagnosis.3

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Around 50% of people will develop lupus nephritis within five years of a SLE diagnosis.4-8

Who does lupus nephritis affect?

[Icon] World

More than 1.7 million people worldwide.7,8

[Icon] Women

90% are women, mostly of colour and usually of childbearing age.4,8,9

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The impact on health and quality of life is profound. Everyday tasks become challenging and mental health can be impacted. Lupus nephritis can be a barrier to achieving goals, like having a career or family.

What are the signs and symptoms?

In its early stages, lupus nephritis often presents with few or no specific symptoms.

Signs and symptoms may include:10

Fatigue icon
Feeling very tired
Brown urine icon
Brown urine caused by red blood cells
Foamy urine icon
Foamy urine caused by protein
Less urinating icon
Urinating (peeing) less often than normal
High blood pressure icon
High blood pressure
Swelling face icon
Swelling in the hands, face, feet, belly, or around the eyes
Weight changes icon
Weight changes – weight gain, or sometimes weight loss

By applying our long-standing expertise in immunology, we want to deliver meaningful innovation that addresses the needs of people with lupus nephritis, and prevent or delay progression to kidney failure.

References

  1. Mok C, et al. Treatment of lupus nephritis: consensus evidence and perspectives. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2023;19:227-38.

  2. National Kidney Foundation. Kidney Failure. [Internet, cited March 2025]. Available from: https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/kidneyfailure

  3. Hahn BH, et al. American College of Rheumatology guidelines for screening, treatment, and management of lupus nephritis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2012 Jun;64(6):797-808. doi: 10.1002/acr.21664.

  4. Bastian HM, et al. Systemic lupus erythematosus in three ethnic groups. XII. Risk factors for lupus nephritis after diagnosis. Lupus. 2002;11(3):152-160.doi:10.1191/0961203302lu158oa.

  5. Mahajan A et al. Lupus 2020; 29: 1011-1020.

  6. Anders HJ, et al. Lupus nephritis. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2020;6(1):7. doi: 10.1038/s41572-019-0141-9.

  7. Parikh SV, et al. Update on Lupus Nephritis: Core Curriculum 2020. Am J Kidney Dis. 2020;76:265-281.

  8. Tian J, et al. Global epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus: a comprehensive systematic analysis and modelling study. Ann Rheum Dis. 2023;82:351-56.

  9. Lupus Foundation of America. What is lupus nephritis? [Internet; cited February 2026]. Available from: https://www.lupus.org/resources/what-is-lupus-nephritis

  10. National Kidney Foundation. Kidney Failure. [Internet, cited February 2026]. Available from: https://www.lupus.org/resources/what-is-lupus-nephritis.