GSK Advocates for a Standardized National SLE Diagnosis and Treatment System to Improve Patient Outcomes

At the 8th China International Import Expo (hereinafter referred to as "CIIE"), GSK successfully invited several senior experts, scholars, and partners from public welfare organizations in the field of rheumatology and immunology to gather together. They exchanged views on issues such as disease awareness, patient support, and chronic disease management of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), aiming to enhance public scientific understanding, improve the living environment for patients, and help them regain confidence in life.

Relying on the strong empowerment effect of the CIIE

Data shows that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune connective tissue disease that can cause damage to multiple organs and tissues, including the kidneys, cardiovascular system, lungs, digestive system, blood system, and eyes, significantly increasing patients' risk of death. Currently, there are over 1 million lupus patients in China, most of whom are women of childbearing age. With the continuous improvement in the diagnosis and treatment of lupus in recent years in China, the survival rate of lupus patients has improved significantly. As systemic lupus erythematosus becomes increasingly chronic, patient needs have shifted from "surviving" to "living longer and better."

Hui Ming Yu, Vice President of GSK and General Manager of China, said: "GSK is a loyal partner of the CIIE. Over the years, thanks to the strong empowerment effect of the CIIE, we have been able to collaborate more efficiently with all sectors of society, accelerate the accessibility of innovative drugs, and extend our care to patients in urgent need of help."

Zhang Ning, Vice President of GSK and Head of China Specialty Medicine Business Unit, stated: "With over a decade of dedication to the lupus field, GSK has continuously expanded the indications for its drug Benlysta (belimumab). This not only demonstrates our high regard for the needs of Chinese patients but also exemplifies how GSK collaborates with all parties to share opportunities. Focusing on the unmet needs of more than a million lupus patients in China, GSK will continue to introduce innovative treatment solutions and expand new indications to improve patient outcomes. At the same time, we remain committed to enhancing standardized diagnosis, treatment, and management of lupus across China, supporting patients in multiple ways to help them 'regain a better quality of life.'"

Professor Sun Li, Director of the Rheumatology Department at the Children's Hospital of Fudan University, stated: "Childhood lupus requires adherence to the ‘early diagnosis, early treatment, and sustained target achievement’ concept for full lifecycle management. Biologics represented by belimumab have demonstrated core value. Through early and precise continuous intervention, disease activity can be effectively controlled, significantly reducing reliance on steroids, thereby safeguarding skeletal growth and organ development during critical periods in children. This not only helps reduce recurrent hospitalizations for patients but also supports them in studying normally, enjoying sports like healthy children, and smoothly reintegrating into campus life. It allows them to face the future without fear and courageously pursue their own youthful dreams."

Establish a Standardized National Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Diagnosis and Treatment System in China

Professor Chen Nan, a lifetime professor of nephrology at Ruijin Hospital, affiliated with the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, stated: "After being diagnosed with lupus nephritis, patients should receive standardized treatment as soon as possible and undergo long-term continuous monitoring of their condition (dynamic monitoring of urine protein, urine sediment, renal function, etc.). Combined with necessary indicators such as disease activity, renal biopsy, and biomarkers, the efficacy should be comprehensively evaluated. At the same time, patients need to manage their condition effectively. In the past, under traditional drug treatments, the proportion of kidney damage was very high, progression was rapid, and there were many complications, such as moon face, buffalo hump, cardiovascular diseases, and osteoporosis. Early initiation of belimumab treatment can help patients reduce the dosage of steroids, lower the risk of recurrence, and provide continuous protection of renal function. With the continuous advancement of medicine and ongoing policy support, the future for lupus patients will be brighter."

Dr. Yuxiong Ke, Vice President of GSK and Head of China Medical Affairs, stated: "Innovation is the cornerstone that continuously drives the standardization and advancement of lupus diagnosis and treatment. We are delighted that Benlysta, a biologic recommended by three major guidelines, has benefited a wider patient population under the spillover effects of the CIIE. However, the essence of innovation goes beyond research and development. While continuing to introduce innovative treatment solutions, we are also actively collaborating with...China MedicineHealth Development Foundation, National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Shanghai Pujii Rheumatism Disease Care Center, and other parties have collaborated to establish a standardized national systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosis and treatment system in China, helping lupus patients improve their prognosis.

Zheng Jiyan, Chairman of Shanghai Pujie Rheumatism Disease Care Center, stated: "Since signing the strategic cooperation memorandum with GSK at last year’s CIIE, the series of efforts carried out by both parties in disease education, patient care, diagnosis, treatment, and management have achieved significant results. Looking ahead, we look forward to exploring more forms of collaboration with GSK to bring positive changes to the lives and living environments of the vast lupus patient community, thereby helping to improve the quality of life for millions of lupus patients in China."