New treatment option approved for some adults with lupus nephritis
A new treatment option has been approved for some adults in England living with active lupus nephritis (LN).
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) this week announced that a treatment called obinutuzumab, used together with the immunosuppressive medicine mycophenolate mofetil, can now be offered to some adults with active forms of LN. Kidney Research UK contributed to the approval by nominating a clinical expert to give evidence to the NICE committee.
LN is a complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) – an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues including the kidneys. LN can cause inflammation and long-term damage if not treated effectively.
Obinutuzumab helps reduce the harmful inflammation associated with LN. By calming the disease, it protects an individual’s kidneys from further damage.
Alison Railton, Kidney Research UK’s director of policy and public affairs said: “This is welcome news for adults with LN who may be able to access this treatment combination.
“We welcome any treatment that may help prevent patients needing lifelong dialysis or transplantation.
“We were pleased that our clinical expert was able to attend and give evidence at the appraisal meeting.”
Important information for patients
If you are living with LN, please speak to your healthcare professional about how best to manage your treatment. This article is intended to provide general information and does not replace medical advice.
If you experience any side effects, speak to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. You can also report side effects directly via the https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. By reporting side effects, you help improve the safety of medicines.
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