Cost-Effectiveness of Early vs Delayed Belimumab Treatment for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Belimumab is a biologic therapy for active, autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that has been shown to reduce disease activity, flare frequency, and glucocorticoid use, thereby preventing organ damage. Belimumab is typically reserved for refractory disease, but emerging evidence suggests earlier initiation may lead to higher response rates, greater achievement of remission or low disease activity, and further reduction in glucocorticoid use.

Objective

To evaluate the economic and health-related outcomes of early vs delayed belimumab initiation for biologic-naive patients with clinically active SLE, comparing medical costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs).

Design, setting, and participants

This economic evaluation using cost-utili

SUBMITTER: Hundal S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12921522 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature