Pathways to Better Outcomes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Translating Pathophysiology into Targeted Treatments

SLE is a chronic, autoimmune disorder that can present with a variety of clinical manifestations, commonly including arthritis, fever, photosensitivity, and malar rash.1,2 The disease is pathologically characterized by generalized, multisystem inflammation and the presence of a number of potential autoantibodies and immune complexes.2,3 Scientific and clinical research on SLE has uncovered factors that contribute to the characteristic loss of immune self-tolerance and the development of organ dysfunction.3,4 A better understanding of SLE pathogenesis has supported the development of new approaches to disease characterization and targeted therapies.5,6 Since approval by the US Food and Drug Administration of the first biologic therapy for SLE several years ago, promising new therapeutic options with novel targets have been in clinical development.5-7 Rheumatologists can benefit from updates on the latest clinical trial data and practical recommendations on how the growing evidence pool can be translated into future clinical decision-making. During this Interactive Exchange™ program, an internationally recognized panel of expert faculty will discuss the latest updates on SLE pathogenesis, clinical data supporting evolving therapeutic approaches, and new insights into measurement of biomarkers, disease activity, and patient outcomes.