May 31, 2023

We are pleased to share encouraging news from EULAR, the annual meeting of the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology of Phase 2 data presented showing that upadacitinib improved SLE disease activity and time to first flare while lowering the need for steroids. Side effects were consistent with the known safety profile.  Discovered and developed by AbbVie, upadacitinib (Rinvoq^®) is approved for several autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. The drug is now in Phase 3 trials as a potential treatment for SLE.

In the Phase 2 SLEek study, a greater proportion of patients receiving upadacitinib at a 30 mg dose or a combination of elsubrutinib 60 mg plus upadacitinib 30 mg achieved the primary endpoint, SLE Responder Index (SRI-4) and steroid dose less than or equal to 10 mg prednisone equivalent once per day at week 24, compared to placebo (54.8 percent; p=0.028 and 48.5 percent; p=0.081* versus 37.3 percent, respectively).  These indicate improvements in lupus disease activity.

Click here for AbbVie announcement