Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system generates autoreactive lymphocytes (white blood cells) and autoantibodies that mistakenly attack healthy tissues. This can lead to swelling, pain, and damage in virtually any part of the body and organ system, including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain.
SLE symptoms range in severity and vary widely. Patients may experience fatigue, rash and intermittent arthralgias as well as life-threatening vasculitis and organ system failure. Nephritis is the most common organ system threat; fatigue and cognitive dysfunction are the most common disabling manifestations.
People living with SLE may experience unpredictable cycles of flares and remission. Disease relapses may lead to cumulative damage and organ failure.
Unmet need
There is a high unmet need in SLE. Steroids are considered first-line treatment, but are not a long-term solution. Many patients who receive approved therapies relapse. Rituximab is not approved for SLE, but is a mainstay of treatment, underscoring the need for more effective therapies.
~240k patients in
the US alone
~50% of patients on approved
biologics experience disease relapse
How budoprutug may be able to help
B cell-depleting therapies such as budoprutug are a promising potential treatment approach for SLE because they work to eliminate the problematic B cells that produce the autoantibodies that cause the disease.
Budoprutug targets CD19, which has broad expression across many types of B cells, including autoantibody producing cells.
A Phase 1b study evaluating the safety, tolerability, PK, PD, and preliminary clinical effectiveness of budoprutug in patients with SLE is currently ongoing.
Support and Resources
If you or someone you love is living with SLE, there are many resources available to help you learn more, connect with others, and find support. These trusted organizations provide education, advocacy, and community for people affected by lupus.
