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A study out of Japan has found tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant, to be an effective lupus treatment. Over a ten year period, researchers followed a group of 1,355 people with lupus nephritis who received treatment with tacrolimus. The drug was well-tolerated and effective with nearly half (49.3%) of the participants. It should be noted that here were some adverse reactions. 28.8% of participants got an infection, with 12.2% reaching renal failure and 4.5% needing to go on dialysis. However, the overall survival rate was 96.5%. There was also a reduction in the corticosteroid dosage over the course of the study. This shows how tacrolimus as a treatment can spare the usage of steroids while maintaining kidney function.
What is Tacrolimus?
Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant. It works by decreasing the activity of your immune system, which does increase the risk of infection. Typically used by doctors in organ transplants, researchers have been considering it as a possible treatment for lupus for years. Because lupus is characterized by the body's immune system attacking its own organs, by suppressing that system, the hope is damage can be slowed and symptoms managed. There are a number of potential side effects to consider.
Where do Researchers Go From Here?
Studies on this specific drug as it relates to lupus have been coming out for several years. They each show promise, and the hope is that developing a long-term treatment for lupus will come soon. As a condition, lupus is complex and varied. There are a number of treatment options and medications to help manage symptoms. Because immune systems are complex themselves, research into how lupus presents across different patients is a challenge. The FDA first approved a targeted therapy in 2011. In 2021, the first therapy to treat systemic lupus was approved. Researchers continue to develop innovative solutions. This is another step in finding effective treatment for all patients with lupus.
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