Lupus Treatment Enters a Breakthrough Era: Multiple New Therapies Show Promising Steroid-Sparing Effects at EULAR 2026
AstraZeneca
Pharmaceutical Technology Research and Development Provider
Johnson & Johnson
Medical Device R&D and Manufacturer
InnoCare
Innovative Drug Developer
UCB
Biopharmaceutical and Specialty Chemicals Developer
Biogen
New Drug Developer
Dear Lupus Community Members,The lupus circle is abuzz this June! From June 3 to 6, the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) Annual Congress convened in London, UK, where top global experts gathered to announce key data on several new lupus medications. Meanwhile, good news continues to emerge from China, with domestically produced drugs gaining additional indications. In this article, we will guide you through the most noteworthy new lupus drugs and hot topics from June 1 to 10, providing essential information directly relevant to our condition! (Please feel free to add any missing information in the comments section. Thank you!)
I. EULAR Congress Highlights: Data on Six New Drugs Released, with the Core Focus on “Reducing Glucocorticoids and Stabilizing Disease”
1. AstraZeneca’s avdoralimab: AZALEA Asian population data, robust evidence for steroid-sparing and long-term relapse-free outcomes (June 8)
EULAR Congress Highlights Post Hoc Analysis of the Phase III AZALEA Study in Asian Populations (Led by Chinese Experts), Specifically Targeting Chinese/Asian Patients with Moderate-to-Severe SLE to Address the Critical Challenges of "Difficulty in Tapering Glucocorticoids and High Risk of Relapse."
Core Data:
52-week BICLA response rate: 60.3% vs. 31.6%; SRI-4 response rate: 65.1% vs. 36.3%; 69.9% of patients reduced and maintained corticosteroids at ≤7.5 mg/day (placebo: 46.7%), with a significantly reduced relapse rate.
Good News for SLE Patients:
Exclusive data from Asian patients, better tailored to the condition of Chinese people; long-term use can steadily reduce hormone usage and decrease recurrence rates. Currently under review in China, already approved in over 70 countries worldwide.
2. Johnson & Johnson’s Nipocalimab: The world’s first FcRn monoclonal antibody, with sustained efficacy over 52 weeks (June 3)
One of the most anticipated new drugs at this conference, featuring a novel mechanism of action (blocking FcRn to reduce autoantibodies), is specifically targeted at patients with moderate-to-severe SLE.
Core Data:
Remission rate at Week 24 was 53.5% (placebo: 46.7%), with stronger efficacy at Week 52; the proportion of patients achieving low lupus disease activity state (LLDAS) was 17% higher than that in the placebo group.
Good News for Lupus Patients:
Patients who are positive for autoantibodies (approximately 80% of SLE patients) demonstrate better efficacy, with a significant reduction in corticosteroid use. Phase III clinical trials have now begun enrollment, bringing the drug one step closer to market approval.
3. InnoCare’s Orelabrutinib: A Domestically Produced BTK Inhibitor, New Oral Drug Arrives (June 5)
Positive Phase IIb Results for the World’s First BTK Inhibitor in SLE: Convenient Oral Administration, Highly Favorable for Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Disease
Core Data:
The remission rate at 48 weeks was 57.1% (placebo: 34.4%), significantly reducing disease activity and corticosteroid usage, with a favorable safety profile.
Good News for SLE Patients:
Oral formulation, injection-free, suitable for long-term maintenance, with a trend of delaying relapse; the cost-effectiveness of this new domestic drug is promising.
4. UCB/Biogen DZP: Anti-CD40L monoclonal antibody, long-term disease control and stable glucocorticoid reduction (June 4)
Phase III Data Update: Emphasizing “Long-Term Stability and Low Relapse Rates” to Address the Challenge of Steroid Dependence in Lupus Patients
Core Data:
Sustained disease control over 48 weeks, with stable condition maintained at lower corticosteroid doses, reduced relapse rate, and significant improvement in immune markers.
Good News for SLE Patients:
Suitable for long-term maintenance therapy, helping us gradually wean off corticosteroids and reduce the side effects associated with prolonged corticosteroid use.
5. CSPC SYS6063: The World’s First Dual-Target CAR-T, a Boon for Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Disease (June 2)
The world’s first mRNA-LNP dual-target (CD19/BCMA) CAR-T therapy for relapsed and refractory SLE unresponsive to conventional treatments.
Key Data:
Early clinical 100% response rate, with 78% achieving low disease activity state (LLDAS), demonstrating robust efficacy;
Good News for Lupus Patients:
Offering new hope to severe lupus patients with “no available treatments,” it may also be used for other autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome in the future.
6. ImmuneOnco IMC-002: Bispecific antibody, profound B-cell depletion, high safety profile (June 4)
Domestic innovative drugs precisely eliminate abnormal B cells, balancing efficacy and safety.
Core Data:
Phase Ib/II results demonstrated profound B-cell depletion, durable efficacy, and a favorable safety profile with no serious adverse events;
Good News for Lupus Patients:
A New Option for Moderate-to-Severe SLE, Particularly Suitable for Lupus Patients with Active B Cells and High Antibody Levels
II. Common Questions: Are There New Data on Roche's Obinutuzumab?
How are the data on Roche’s obinutuzumab, which many lupus patients are concerned about?)
Latest Updates:
The complete Phase III (ALLEGORY) results were announced at the European Lupus Conference in March, showing a 76.7% remission rate in non-renal SLE; the U.S. FDA is currently reviewing the application (with results expected in December), and approval for the lupus nephritis indication in China is also anticipated in the near future.
III. Summary: Lupus Treatment Enters the “Precision Era,” with a Promising Future
In just 10 days, the breakthroughs in multiple new drugs at the EULAR Congress have made it clear: lupus treatment is no longer limited to corticosteroids and legacy medications. A growing number of novel therapies offering “precision, steroid-sparing effects, and disease stabilization” are on the horizon.
For our butterfly friends, this means:
Mild Cases:More medication options with fewer side effects;
Moderate to severe:The new drug achieves a higher remission rate with reduced corticosteroid usage;
Relapsed/Refractory:New therapies such as cell therapy bring hope for a “cure.”
We will continue to monitor the market launch progress and national reimbursement updates for these new drugs, and promptly share the latest information on our official WeChat account. Please stay tuned!Although new drugs may be effective, do not switch medications on your own. Always consult your attending physician to select an appropriate treatment plan based on your specific condition.
