Lupus nephritis is a serious kidney complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in which the immune system attacks the kidneys, causing inflammation, protein loss in urine, and potentially kidney failure. It affects up to half of SLE patients and is a leading cause of long-term kidney damage and end-stage renal disease in younger women.
What's actually going on in research
Standard treatment with mycophenolate mofetil and hydroxychloroquine has been augmented by two approvals: voclosporin and belimumab are now approved as add-ons to standard care after trials demonstrated improved complete renal response rates. Trials are testing additional biologic agents targeting type I interferon, B cell pathways, and complement, as well as CAR-T cell therapy for refractory lupus nephritis.
Add-on biologic therapy
Voclosporin and belimumab are now approved as additions to standard immunosuppression; trials continue to refine who benefits most and whether combining these agents adds further benefit.
Type I interferon blockade
Anifrolumab, a monoclonal antibody blocking the type I interferon receptor, is approved for broader SLE and is being studied specifically for lupus nephritis, targeting a key driver of kidney inflammation.
CAR-T for refractory disease
Early-phase trials are testing CD19-targeted CAR-T cell therapy in patients with severe treatment-resistant lupus nephritis, following dramatic responses seen in small series of refractory SLE cases.
What to know before you search
Eligibility depends on kidney biopsy class, level of proteinuria, creatinine, prior immunosuppression, and current disease activity scores.
What types of trials are currently open
- Biologic add-on trials — Testing voclosporin, belimumab, and newer agents added to standard immunosuppression for improved renal outcomes.
- Interferon pathway trials — Evaluating anifrolumab and other type I interferon blockers specifically in lupus nephritis.
- CAR-T trials — Early-phase studies of CD19-targeted CAR-T therapy in patients with severe refractory disease.
- Maintenance therapy trials — Studying the optimal duration and tapering strategy for immunosuppression after achieving remission.
- Biomarker trials — Identifying urine and blood markers that predict flares and guide treatment decisions.
Recently added LUPUS Nephritis trials
Take combination immune therapies to treat lupus affecting the kidneys
The goal of this clinical study is to assess the efficacy and safety of LUPKYNIS® in combination with belimumab, obinutuzumab or anifrolumab at inducing rapid renal response in patients with lupus nephritis (LN).
Take a new immune therapy designed for lupus
This study will assess how mosunetuzumab works in people who have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who may or may not also have active lupus nephritis (LN).
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