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LUPUSMarch 2022Summary reviewed June 2026

A Daily Pill Reduced Lupus Flares in 54% of Patients Taking the Highest Dose

Scientists tested iberdomide, a new pill taken daily alongside standard lupus medications. After 24 weeks, 54% of patients on the highest dose showed meaningful improvement in disease activity, compared to 35% on placebo.

What the trial was testing

The trial enrolled 289 patients with lupus. The study was sponsored by Celgene and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.

It was initial testing (phase 2). Trials at this stage are designed to produce evidence regulators and physicians can act on — not just observations to follow up later.

What the results showed

54% of patients on iberdomide showed meaningful improvement in lupus symptoms after 24 weeks.

The New England journal of medicine · 2022 · NCT03161483

These findings — that showed meaningful improvement in lupus disease activity on the highest dose — were published in the The New England journal of medicine and represent the headline result of the study.

Researchers tracked outcomes across 289 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.

What this means for patients

For patients with lupus, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.

What you can do now

This was an initial testing study and iberdomide is not yet FDA-approved for lupus. The results were promising, but doctors need larger and longer studies to confirm these findings. If you have lupus, ask your doctor about open clinical trials or other approved treatment options.

Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.