Lupus kidney disease: new hope with belimumab?
Living with lupus-related kidney disease (called ‘lupus nephritis’) is tough. Zhang, 2023, have recently analysed research trials on Belimumab, a promising new medication, that might be a game-changer in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, or lupus).
Why is this important?
Belimumab has recently been added to the range of treatments for lupus. Whilst this is the first ‘biological’ medicine to be approved for lupus, its specific impact on kidney disease is not clear. This study aimed to clarify this issue.
What did the study show?
Researchers analysed large studies that involved a total of nearly 3,000 people. Here’s the good news:
- Better kidney outcomes. Belimumab combined with standard treatment significantly improved overall kidney health compared to standard therapy alone. People taking belimumab had a 31% (and 47%) higher chance of improved (or complete) kidney recovery, respectively
- Reduced flare risk. People taking belimumab had almost half the risk of kidney flare-ups compared to standard therapy alone
- Protected kidney function. Belimumab helped prevent kidney function from worsening or leading to kidney failure
- Safe and tolerable. Importantly, side effects were similar between belimumab and standard therapy groups.
How does this affect you?
This study suggests belimumab, combined with standard treatment, offers a more effective and safer approach to managing lupus-related kidney disease, potentially leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
While further research is needed, this is a significant step forward. Belimumab’s potential to improve (safely) kidney function, and reduce flare-ups, offers a new ray of hope for patients and their doctors.
Other resources
Selena Gomez, her lupus and kidney transplant
10 key points about lupus
What is lupus nephritis?
Last Reviewed on 26 June 2024
