New developments in systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

In this review, the results of recent and ongoing clinical trials in patients with SLE are discussed. After many unsuccessful trials in the past decade, belimumab was the first biologic specifically designed for SLE that met its primary end point. At the same time, studies on the pathophysiology of SLE have further elucidated the pathways involved in the disease, which has led to the identification of new possible therapeutics and has encouraged the initiation of new trials. These new drugs include biologics that target B cells, T cells and type 1 interferons, and small molecules that inhibit kinases. Other therapeutics aim to restore immunological balance by restoring tolerance. Results from phase II and even phase III trials are promising and it is likely that some of the therapeutics discussed will receive approval in the following years. Hopefully, this will allow for more tailor-made medicine for SLE patients in the future.

Rheumatology key messages

• Several new therapeutic approaches targeting different molecular pathways show promising results in trials in SLE.

• Anifrolumab is the second biologic that reached its primary end point in a phase III trial.

• The possibility of targeting different pathways will hopefully allow for more individualized medicine in the future.

Introduction

SLE is a chronic systemic auto-immune disease that is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. The disease typically affects women of childbearing age and follows a relapsing–remitting course. The prevalence varies from 12 to 150 cases per 100 000 people.

SLE is characterized by the production of autoantibodies against a range of autoantigens including nuclear components, formation of immune complexes and deposition of immune complexes in a variety of organs, leading to inflammation and organ damage. Environmental and hormonal factors are supposed to influence the development of SLE in genetically susceptible individuals by inducing defects in the innate and adaptive immune system [1]. Immune dysregulation in patients with SLE can occur at the level of cytokines, T cells, B cells and macrophages.

The disease often affects the skin, joints, kidneys and blood, but can virtually affect any organ system resulting in a striking clinical heterogeneity. The 5-year survival of patients with SLE has improved from 50% in the 1950s to >90% since the 1990s [2, 3], but minimal additional improvement has occurred over the past decades and numerous clinical trials for SLE using biologics targeting a specific pathway failed to reach their primary end points [4]. Only one new drug, belimumab, has been approved for the treatment of SLE in >60 years [5]. Hydroxychloroquine, glucocorticoids, and the immunomodulatory agents azathioprine, methotrexate and mycophenolate mofetil are currently the most frequently used drugs. In persistently active or flaring extra-renal disease, additional treatment with belimumab is recommended, while rituximab or cyclophosphamide may be considered in severe, organ-threatening or refractory disease [6, 7].

The array of clinical phenotypes of SLE reflects the complex cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis. Several pathways are involved in each patient but the relative contribution of each pathway varies between individuals [8]. The improved insight into the complex pathogenesis of SLE has inspired the development of multiple clinical trials using new agents directed against recognized targets (Fig. 1). The aim of this review is to discuss the results of recent articles on clinical trials and to summarize ongoing novel clinical trials in patients with SLE (Table 1).

Fig. 1.

Targeted therapies used for the treatment or currently used in clinical trials in SLE

APC: antigen presenting cell; BAFF: B-cell activating factor; BDCA2: blood dendritic cell antigen 2; BTK: Bruton’s tyrosine kinase; CD40L: CD40 ligand; IFNR: IFN receptor; JAK: Janus kinase

Table 1.

Ongoing registered clinical trials in SLE

Therapy	Target	Trial phase	Participants (target)	Trial registration
B cells
Belimumab/rituximab	BAFF/CD20	III	292	NCT03312907
Belimumab/rituximab	BAFF/CD20	II (LN)	70	NCT03312907
Ianalumab/iscalimab	BAFF/CD40	II	120	NCT03656562
Dapirolizumab	CD40L	III	450	NCT04294667
Rozibafusp alpha	ICOSL/BAFF	II	320	NCT04058028
RC-18	TACI-Fc fusion protein	II (completed)	249	NCT02885610
Cytokines/chemokines
Secukinumab	Anti-IL17 mAb	III (LN)	460	NCT04181762
BOS161721	Anti-IL21 mAb	I/II (completed)	143	NCT03371251
Guselkumab	Anti-IL23 mAb	II (LN)	60	NCT04376827
BT063	Anti-IL10 mAb	II (completed)	36	NCT02554019
Aldesleukin	IL2	II (completed)	16	NCT03312335
	IL2	II	500	NCT04077684
ILT-101	IL2	II (completed)	100	NCT02955617
LY3471851 (NKTR-358)	IL2	II	280	NCT04433585
AMG592	IL2	I	29	NCT03451422
AMG592	IL2	II	320	NCT04058028
PF-06835375	Anti-CXCR5 antagonist	I	112	NCT03334851
Kinases
AC0058TA	BTK	I	32	NCT03878303
Orelabrutinib (ICP-022)	BTK	I/II (completed)	60	NCT04305197
Branebrutinib	BTK	II	185	NCT04186871
Elsubrutinib/upadacitinib	BTK/JAK1	II	325	NCT03978520
Elsubrutinib/upadacitinib	BTK/JAK1	II	260	NCT04451772
Baricitinib	JAK1/2	III	1100	NCT03843125
Baricitinib	JAK1/2	III	750	NCT03616964
Baricitinib	JAK1/2	III	809	NCT03616912
PF-06700841	JAK1/TYK2	II	448	NCT03845517
BMS986165	TYK2	II	360	NCT03920267
BMS986165	TYK2	II	360	NCT03252587
BMS986165	TYK2	II (LN)	78	NCT03943147
Cenerimod	S1P	II	500	NCT03742037
Other
Itolizumab	Anti-CD6 mAb	I	60	NCT04128579
Iberdomide (CC-220)	Cereblon E3 ligase modulator	II (completed)	42	NCT02185040
Curcumin		II	68	NCT03953261
SM934	Artesimin analogue	II	48	NCT03951259
Mesenchymal stem cells		II	81	NCT02633163
Lenabasum (JBT-101)	CB2 agonist	II	100	NCT03093402
KZR-616	Immunoproteasome	II	68	NCT03393013

BAFF: B cell activating factor; BTK: Bruton’s tyrosine kinase; CD40L: CD40 ligand; JAK: Janus kinase; mAb: monoclonal antibody; TYK: tyrosine kinase.

Methods

To identify articles relevant to this review, a PubMed search was conducted using the MeSH terms: (SLE) with filters: Clinical trial or Randomized Controlled Trial. Papers published between 1 January 2019 and 1 of February 2021 were selected. Our search revealed 73 original articles. Additionally, a search was conducted on clinicaltrials.gov to identify ongoing trials.

B cells

As producers of auto-antibodies, B cells have a key role in auto-immune diseases. Rituximab (anti-CD20) was the first biologic used in SLE that specifically targets the B cell. While successful in many autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and ANCA associated vasculitis [9, 10], two major trials in SLE and lupus nephritis failed to achieve their primary end point [11, 12]. The reasons for the failure of these two trials are extensively discussed elsewhere [13, 14], but include selection of patients, trial design and primary outcome parameter. However, data from national registries demonstrated reduction in disease activity score and concomitant glucocorticoid use in rituximab treated patients [15–17].

Belimumab

Belimumab is a monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting B cell activating factor (BAFF), which is a regulator of B cell survival. In two landmark phase III trials (BLISS-52 and BLISS-72) [5, 18], patients who received belimumab on top of standard of care had a higher SLE Responder Index 4 (SRI4) response rate compared with placebo. Patients with active lupus nephritis were excluded from these trials. Extension studies of phase II and III trials demonstrated long-term safety and tolerability of belimumab, as well as the suggestion of long-term efficacy [19, 20].

A recent phase III randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) investigated belimumab in 448 lupus nephritis patients [21]. Significantly more patients who received belimumab achieved the primary efficacy renal response compared with placebo at week 104. Complete renal response, a major secondary outcome, was more frequent in patients who received belimumab and their risk of a renal-related event or death was lower compared with placebo. The safety profile of belimumab was equal to that of previous trials. The rates of serious adverse events and other adverse events were similar between standard of care and standard of care plus belimumab. The results of this trial led to the approval of belimumab for treatment of lupus nephritis in March 2021.

In an ongoing phase II RCT in 93 childhood SLE patients, the addition of belimumab to standard of care did not result in more adverse events at week 52 [22]. Although the study was not powered to determine superiority, numerically more patients on belimumab achieved the primary end point SRI4 compared with placebo, but statistical significance was not reached. However, this study did result in the approval of belimumab for SLE treatment in children of 5 years or older.

Currently, two ongoing trials are investigating the combination of rituximab and belimumab [23, 24]. In the BLISS-BELIEVE trial, belimumab is administered subcutaneously. Rituximab is then added 4–8 weeks after the initiation of belimumab, while in the BEAT Lupus trial, belimumab is administered intravenously 4–8 weeks after two infusions of rituximab. Results of these trials are expected this year.

XmAb5871

XmAb5871 (obexelimab) is a humanized anti-CD19 antibody Fc-engineered for increased affinity to FcgRIIb. XmAb5871 therefore targets B cells. One hundred and four patients with moderate to severe, non-organ threatening disease were enrolled in a RCT [25]. Only hydroxychloroquine and 10 mg prednisolone per day were allowed as immunosuppressive co-medication. Patients were given 2 × 80 mg Depo-Medrol at the start followed by XmAb5871 or placebo every 14 days. The primary end point (no loss of improvement) did not reach statistical difference, but a trend favouring XmAb5871 was observed. Because of the unique primary end point used in this trial, the results are difficult to interpret.

Dapirolizumab

CD40L, which is primarily expressed on T cells but also on other cells such as B cells and pDCs, plays an important role in the regulation of the immune response through T cell activation, B cell activitation and differentiation, and the release of pro-inflammory cytokines by pDCs. Dapirolizumab is a PEGylated mAb with specificity for CD40L. This drug is particularly interesting, because PEGylated Abs barely pass the placental membrane and it is potentially safe to use during pregnancy, which is a major issue. In a phase IIb, dose-ranging RCT in 182 SLE patients, dapirolizumab or placebo was given on top of standard of care [26]. While numerically higher response rates were observed in all three dosages of dapirolizumab compared with placebo, a statistically significant difference in BILAG based Composite Lupus Assessment (BICLA) response as the primary end point at week 24 was not achieved. The results from this trial seemed promising enough, as a phase III trial in 450 patients is currently recruiting (NCT04294667).

IFNs

One of the hallmark features of SLE is the so called IFN gene signature [27]. IFNs play a key role in host defence against viruses and belong to an evolutionarily old part of the innate immune system. Increased levels of type 1 IFNs in serum is a typical feature of SLE. Targeting type 1 IFNs, therefore, has garnered much interest as a possible new therapeutic pathway.

Anifrolumab

Anifrolumab, a human mAb targeting the type I IFN receptor subunit 1, surprisingly did not achieve its primary end point SRI4 in the first phase III trial in SLE (TULIP-1) [28], after promising results in a phase II trial. However, BICLA, another composite index for response was achieved significantly more frequently in patients allotted to anifrolumab than to placebo. In the second phase III trial in 362 patients, monthly infusions of 300 mg anifrolumab resulted in a higher percentage of patients with a BICLA response at week 52 than did placebo (48% vs 32%, respectively) [29]. The success of the second phase III trial of anifrolumab might in part be attributable to the selection of a different primary outcome parameter.

Interestingly, the presence of an IFN gene signature at baseline was not a predictor for response to anifrolumab. A possible explanation might be that the majority of patients (83%) had a high IFN gene signature at baseline. No significant differences in the number of adverse and serious adverse events between the anifrolumab and placebo groups were observed, except for herpes zoster (7.2% for anifrolumab and 1.1% for placebo). US Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency approval for anifrolumab are pending.

Sifalimumab

In a small phase II open label trial in 66 Japanese patients, sifalimumab, an anti-IFN-α mAb, was shown to be safe and well tolerated [30]. Serious adverse events occurred in 30% of patients in the first 52 weeks and were mainly instances of SLE flares. A concern with the use of Abs directed against IFN in the current COVID-19 pandemic is that ‘endogenic’ auto-antibodies against IFN-α, induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection, are associated with severe COVID-19 [31].

BIIB059

BIIB059 indirectly targets type I IFN production by targeting a receptor of the plasmacytoid dendritic cell (blood dendritic cell antigen 2, BDCA2) [32]. In a double-blind RCT, BIIB059 was first given to 54 healthy volunteers. In the second part of the trial, BIIB059 administration in 12 patients with SLE decreased expression of IFN response genes in blood, reduced immune infiltrates in skin lesion biopsies, and clinically decreased skin disease activity. BIIB059 was generally well tolerated although one SLE patient experienced nine serious adverse events, which were interpreted as unrelated to the BIIB059. A phase II study in cutaneous lupus with or without SLE has recently completed and results of this trial are awaited (NCT02847598).

IFN-α kinoid

The IFN-α kinoid (IFN-K) is an immunotherapeutic vaccine aimed to induce antibodies against IFN-α. A phase II RCT in 185 SLE patients was recently conducted [33]. Neutralizing anti-IFN-α2b serum antibodies were detected in 91% of treated patients at week 36. While the first co-primary end point of neutralization of the IFN signature was achieved, the clinical end point of a modified BICLA was not. A secondary clinical outcome parameter, Lupus Low Disease Activity State, reached its end point (53% of patients assigned to IFN-K compared with 30% of patients assigned to placebo). While adverse events and serious adverse events were comparable in both groups, significantly more patients in the IFN-K group had upper respiratory tract infections compared with placebo (17.6% vs 5.4%). The increased rate of upper respiratory tract infections underlines the safety concern for severe COVID-19, as previously mentioned.

Omalizumab

Omalizumab, a mAb targeting IgE, is currently used in IgE mediated asthma, among others. Its presumed method of action in SLE is by hampering plasmacytoid dendritic cells and basophil activation and thereby reducing type I IFN production [34]. A small RCT in 16 patients demonstrated an improvement in SLEDAI 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) scores in the omalizumab group compared with the placebo group at week 16. Subjects receiving omalizumab showed a trend toward improvement in IFN gene signature.

Cytokines

IL-2

Deficiency of regulatory T cells (Tregs) has been implicated in many autoimmune diseases, including SLE. Tregs have an important role in tolerance and control of inflammation. A previous open clinical trial, in which IL-2 was administered to patients with varying autoimmune diseases, demonstrated specific Treg expansion and activation without effector T cell activation [35]. Six out of 46 patients in this trial had SLE. A subsequent RCT treated 60 SLE patients in a 1:1 ratio with IL-2 or placebo [36]. At the primary end point at week 12, the SRI4 response rates were 55% for IL-2 and 30% for placebo, which did not reach statistical significance. However, at week 24, SRI4 response rates did significantly differ (66% and 37%, respectively). Furthermore, complete remission of lupus nephritis was more frequent in patients treated with IL-2 than placebo (7/13, 53.85% vs 2/12, 16.67%, respectively). A second phase II trial in 500 SLE patients is currently recruiting. This study will investigate three different dosages of IL-2 compared with placebo (NCT04077684).

Ustekinumab

Ustekinumab, an effective biologic for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, targets the p40 subunit of IL‐12 and IL‐23. A phase II trial in 102 patients reported significantly greater SRI4 response rates in the ustekinumab group (62%) vs the placebo group (33%) at the primary end point analysis at week 24 [37]. This response rate was maintained at week 48 in the ustekinumab group [38]. However, the subsequent phase III trial was terminated prematurely after a pre-planned interim efficacy analysis failed to show efficacy. No new safety issues were reported. Current analyses focus on elucidating the differences in outcome between the phase II and III trials. It seems unlikely that ustekinumab will be further developed for SLE treatment.

Kinase inhibitors

Baricitinib

In a 24-week double-blind phase II RCT of 314 SLE patients with cutaneous lupus and/or arthritis, 2 or 4 mg daily baricitinib, an oral Janus kinase (JAK)1/2 inhibitor, demonstrated significantly better reduction in skin disease and/or arthritis compared with placebo in the 4 mg baricitinib subgroup. Serious infections and SAEs were more frequent in the 4 mg subgroup while AEs were similar between the groups [39]. The results of two phase III RCTs on the efficacy and safety of 2 or 4 mg daily baricitinib compared with placebo are currently expected.

Tofacitinib

In a single centre open-label case series of 10 SLE patients, treatment with the oral JAK1/3 inhibitor tofacitinib, 5 mg twice daily, resulted in complete resolution of arthritis in four out of four patients, complete resolution of mucocutaneous manifestations in six out of nine patients and partial or no response in the remaining three patients with rash. SLEDAI-2K and physician global assessment scores improved significantly [40].

Voclosporin

Voclosporin, a novel high potency calcineurin inhibitor, in combination with mycophenolate mofetil and rapidly tapered oral glucocorticoids (vs placebo) demonstrated superior efficacy compared with standard therapy in a phase III RCT in 357 patients with active lupus nephritis (AURORA) after 52 weeks [41]. The incidence of SAEs was similar between the groups. Based on this successful trial, approval of voclosporin for the treatment of lupus nephritis is expected in the near future.

Sirolimus

Sirolimus, a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor of antigen-induced T cell proliferation, was investigated in a single-arm, open-label phase I/II trial in patients with active, therapy-resistant SLE [42]. In the 29 patients who completed treatment during 12 months, significant reductions in disease activity (assessed using SLEDAI and BILAG) and glucocorticoid use were reported. A single-arm, open-label phase II study in 20 patients with connective tissue disease-related refractory thrombocytopenia, of whom 14 were diagnosed with SLE, reported an overall response rate of 71.4% and complete remission rate of 64.3% in this subgroup [43]. No severe side effects were reported.

Leflunomide

Leflunomide, an inhibitor of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase leading to a decrease in B and T cells, given orally with a loading dose of 40 mg/day for 3 days and followed by 20 mg/day, was demonstrated as effective as intravenously cyclophosphamide (0.8–1.0 g monthly) in combination with prednisone in the induction treatment of proliferative lupus nephritis in an RCT of 24 weeks in 100 Chinese patients [44]. Rates of complete and partial clinical remission and rates of adverse events were similar between the groups.

Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors have multiple effects on B cells and macrophages. A phase II RCT of fenebrutinib 150 or 200 mg/day vs placebo in 260 patients with non-renal SLE reported an SRI4 response of 51% in the fenebrutinib 150 mg/day group, 52% in the 200 mg/day group, and 44% in the placebo group, which differences were not significant [45]. A phase II RCT with another oral BTK inhibitor, evobrutinib (in three different dosages), vs placebo in 469 patients with active SLE reported no treatment effect of evobrutinib vs placebo at any dose [46]. A phase II trial studying elsubrutinib (BTK inhibitor) alone or in combination with upadacitinib (JAK inhibitor) compared with placebo is ongoing (NCT03978520).

Immunomodulators

Iguratimod

Iguratimod is a synthetic small molecule that can inhibit nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and consequently reduces immunoglobulin production [47]. Its modulatory effect is through B cell differentiation. In an open-label study [48], 14 refractory lupus nephritis patients, 10 of whom had recent treatment failure and four had repeated relapses with inadequate initial responses, were enrolled. Out of 12 patients, five had a complete and seven a partial renal response, of whom three had a relapse within 144 weeks of follow-up. There was one serious adverse event (anaemia), which fully recovered after cessation of iguratimod. A phase II trial in 120 lupus nephritis patients is currently recruiting (NCT02936375).

Umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells

A study in Chinese patients aimed to investigate the role of peripheral tolerogenic CD1c⁺ dendritic cells and the levels of serum FLT3L, a marker for common dendritic cells in SLE [49]. A decrease in CD1c⁺ dendritic cells and serum levels of FLT3L was observed in SLE patients compared with healthy controls. Next, 21 SLE patients with refractory disease received infusions with umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells. After transplantation, the frequency and absolute number of CD1c⁺ DCs were significantly increased after 24 and 72 h. Serum FLT3L levels also increased. Clinically, the SLEDAI score significantly declined in the first 11 patients with 6 months of follow-up, during which two patients achieved complete remission and two patients flared. No adverse events were reported. Mechanistically, it was shown that FLT3L promotes the proliferation and inhibits the apoptosis of tolerogenic CD1c⁺ dendritic cells, which might be the mode of action to suppress inflammation in SLE. A new phase II trial further explores the potential of umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells in lupus nephritis (NCT03673748).

Ongoing registered clinical trials in SLE

Currently, several clinical trials investigating novel molecular pathways in patients with SLE are ongoing. An overview of selected studies and their molecular target is summarized in Table 1.

Conclusion

The need for new therapies in SLE is high as persistent disease activity despite currently approved therapies is common and toxicity of drugs such as glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide majorly impacts quality of life. Treatment of SLE is still challenging due to the wide clinical and pathophysiological heterogeneity of the disease, which also poses a challenge to clinical trial design. Targeting an identified pathogenic pathway in SLE will only benefit the subgroup of patients in whom that pathway is relevant, which underlines the need for tailored therapy.

In the past two years, several new therapies targeting different molecular pathways have demonstrated encouraging results in clinical trials in SLE. After the approval of belimumab, trials using fully humanized monoclonals targeting B cells or combinations of biologics have been initiated. A second group of drugs target interferon, be it directly, such as anifrolumab and sarilumab, or more indirectly, such as BIIB059 or omalizumab. We are eagerly awaiting the results of phase III trials using small molecules such as the JAK inhibitor baricitinib, which has shown potent effects in other rheumatic diseases and the calcineurin inhibitor voclosporin. The oral route of administration is preferred by most patients and the short half-life provides a favourable safety aspect.

Because most SLE patients are females of childbearing potential, dapirolizumab pegol deserves special attention. PEGylated mAbs do not or only minimally transfer across the blood–placental barrier, thus potentially allowing safe continuation during pregnancy [50].

A fourth group of potential new treatments covered in our review contains immunomodulators. These drugs are interesting because their mode of action is to restore tolerance. Future studies should elucidate whether their safety profile is also more favourable compared with immunosuppressants.

The road is long, but we are confident that several new targeted therapies will receive approval in the next decade, which will hopefully allow for more tailor-made medicine for SLE patients in the future.

Funding: This paper is published as part of a supplement supported by a grant from UCB Pharma.

Disclosure statement: I.E.M.B reports personal fees from Eli Lilly, MSD, Amgen, UCB Pharma, GSK, Roche and Sanofi Genzyme outside the submitted work. M.W.P.T has declared no conflicts of interest.

Data availability statement

The authors declare that all data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article.