Anifrolumab in the treatment of recurrent systemic lupus erythematosus: the first post-trial case report

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, multisystem autoimmune disease whose treatment is still a challenge. The latest registration of anifrolumab for the treatment of moderate-to-severe SLE raises hopes because of its novel anti-interferon mechanism of action. Anifrolumab, a human monoclonal antibody, selectively binds the interferon <i>α</i> (INF-<i>α</i>) receptor, inhibiting systemic inflammation moderated by interferon pathways. The article presents the first case of an 18-year-old man with severe, relapsing and repeatedly hospitalized SLE, successfully treated with anifrolumab. During a subsequent exacerbation with multi-organ involvement, which could not be controlled despite pulses and high doses of glucocorticoids (GCSs), treatment with anifrolumab was initiated. Clinical improvement was achieved 4 weeks after the first dose. The patient's dose of systemic GCSs was gradually reduced until complete withdrawal. No serious side effects were observed throughout the follow-up period, and the criteria for complete remission were achieved by the patient at month 3 of therapy. After 12 months, therapy was discontinued due to a payer decision. Nevertheless, the patient remains in follow-up 14 months after the completion of therapy on stable treatment with hydroxychloroquine and azathioprine. He is still not taking prednisone. This is the first case in Poland to show the fate of a "real life patient" after completion of anifrolumab therapy, an effective clinical remission of many months without the use of oral GCSs.