Lupus nephritis is kidney inflammation caused by systemic lupus erythematosus, affecting roughly half of people with lupus. Treatment typically combines immunosuppressants like mycophenolate or cyclophosphamide with corticosteroids. Despite treatment, some people progress to kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing drugs that target specific immune pathways — including BAFF and APRIL inhibitors, complement blockers, and calcineurin inhibitors. Belimumab, an IV infusion, gained FDA approval for lupus nephritis in 2020. Researchers are also studying combinations that might let people use lower steroid doses and ways to predict which kidneys will respond to treatment.
Dual BAFF/APRIL blockers
Drugs that block both BAFF and APRIL — two proteins that keep harmful B cells alive — are in late-stage testing. Early results suggest they may work better than blocking BAFF alone.
Complement inhibitors
The complement system, part of immune defense, can attack the kidney in lupus nephritis. Several trials are testing whether blocking complement proteins can stop kidney damage.
Calcineurin inhibitors
Drugs like voclosporin, FDA-approved in 2021, work differently from traditional immunosuppressants and may offer another option for people who don't respond to standard treatment. Trials continue testing combinations and long-term outcomes.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on lupus nephritis class from kidney biopsy, protein levels in urine, kidney function tests, and whether you've had recent treatment changes.
What types of trials are currently open
- Induction therapy trials — Testing intensive treatment to bring active kidney inflammation under control, usually over several months.
- Maintenance therapy trials — Testing longer-term treatment to keep lupus nephritis quiet after initial control. Many studies compare new drugs to mycophenolate.
- Combination trials — Testing whether adding a second targeted drug to standard treatment improves outcomes or allows lower steroid doses.
- Biomarker studies — Following people over time to find blood or urine markers that predict flares or treatment response before kidney function changes.
- Steroid-reduction trials — Testing whether new drugs allow people to taper off steroids faster or use lower doses, reducing side effects.
Recently added LUPUS Nephritis trials
Pediatric Longitudinal Glomerular Disease: a PNRC Multi-Institutional Cohort Study
To review and collect information from a patients medical record in order to study and research how to help other children with glomerular diseases.
Pakistan Arthritis and Connective Tissue Disease Network - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disorder that affects individuals globally, yet there is a significant lack of data regarding its prevalence and management, particularly in Asian populations like Pakistan. To address this gap, we are initiating a groundbreaking project to establish a Lupus Registry in Pakistan. Our aim is to gain a better understanding of how SLE presents and progresses within the Pakistani population. By collecting detailed information on we hope to provide valuable insights that can tailor diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to suit the local context. This project will enroll adult SLE patients initially from Fauji Foundation Hospital Rawalpindi, with plans to expand to other centers nationwide. Trained healthcare professionals will collect data through structured protocol as outlined in detailed project description. Through rigorous data collection and analysis, including the use of validated instruments and statistical methods, we aim to delineate clinical features, disease severity, treatment patterns, outcomes, and factors influencing these parameters. Ethical approval and informed consent will be obtained to ensure the protection of patients' rights and appropriate data usage. This registry will be a crucial step toward addressing the unique challenges faced by SLE patients in our population. Through collaboration and data-driven insights, we hope to pave the way for more personalized and effective healthcare interventions in the future.
Find LUPUS Nephritis trials matched specifically to you
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll show you trials that fit your situation.