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Profile of epratuzumab and its potential in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors Al Rayes H, Touma Z
Received 9 September 2014
Accepted for publication 22 October 2014
Published 17 November 2014 Volume 2014:8 Pages 2303—2310
DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S49778
Checked for plagiarism Yes
Review by Single-blind
Peer reviewer comments 4
Editor who approved publication: Professor Shu-Feng Zhou
Hanan Al Rayes,1 Zahi Touma2
1Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 2University of Toronto Lupus Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Centre for Prognosis Studies in the Rheumatic Diseases, Toronto, ON, Canada
Abstract: Management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) represents a fascinating, emerging field. Research has recently provided us with a better understanding of the immunologic alterations of SLE, leading to the creation of immunomodulatory agents designed to disrupt specific cell targets and pro-inflammatory pathways. Despite the improvement in the prognosis of SLE in the last 50 years with the use of immunosuppressive therapy such as cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate mofetil, cytotoxicity remains a major complication of these medications and the need for more specific targeted immunotherapy is increasing. Early recognition and treatment of SLE with targeted immunotherapy has the potential to improve quality of life and reduce the risk of disease flare-ups and complications. In this review, we will explore the role of B-cells in the pathogenesis of SLE highlighting current insights into SLE development and management. In addition, we will discuss epratuzumab’s role in the treatment of SLE. Epratuzumab is a humanized anti-CD22 monoclonal antibody that targets CD22 on B-cell and its role in B-cell modulation, migration, function, and inhibition of B-cell receptor signaling. Epratuzumab is currently in a Phase III study evaluating its efficacy in the management of moderate to severe SLE. All published trials on epratuzumab have shown great promise with safe profiles.
Keywords: epratuzumab, SLE, lupus, anti-CD22, monoclonal antibody
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