Long-term safety and efficacy of the combination of belimumab and rituximab in the treatment of severe and refractory SLE: a preliminary report.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Combination therapy with rituximab and belimumab is a novel treatment strategy for severe SLE and lupus nephritis. Phase II studies have shown promising results, although long-term data are currently lacking. To address this, we analysed outcomes of patients with severe treatment-refractory SLE who previously participated in the phase II Synbiose Study, with a particular focus on immunological parameters.

Methods

Eight patients continued belimumab treatment beyond the 2-year duration of the original trial. We conducted a descriptive study to evaluate the course of treatment and immunological parameters over an extended follow-up. Our analyses include blood cell counts, immunoglobulins, autoantibodies, complement markers and clinical disease activity parameters. Add

SUBMITTER: van Schaik M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11822420 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature