Health Canada has approved a new way for people living with lupus to take anifrolumab, a medication used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Until now, anifrolumab has only been available as an intravenous (IV) infusion given in a clinic or hospital. The newly approved option is a subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection that can be self-administered using an autoinjector device. This means that some people living with lupus may now have the option to take their medication at home, rather than traveling to a clinic for infusions.
The approval is based on results from a large clinical trial, which showed that the injectable version of anifrolumab reduced lupus disease activity in a meaningful way when added to standard treatments such as corticosteroids, antimalarials, or immunosuppressants. The study also found that the safety profile of the injectable version was consistent with what is already known about the IV form of the medication.
What this means for people living with lupus
For people living with lupus, this new option may offer:
- Greater flexibility in how treatment is taken
- Less time spent in clinics or infusion centres
- More control over day-to-day disease management
For some, this could make it easier to stay on treatment and manage lupus alongside work, family, and other responsibilities.
What to consider
The subcutaneous version is approved for adults with active, autoantibody-positive lupus who are already receiving standard therapy. It may not be suitable for everyone, including people with certain severe forms of lupus, such as severe lupus nephritis or severe neuropsychiatric lupus, as these groups were not included in the study.
Talk to your rheumatologist
If you are currently taking anifrolumab or considering it as a treatment option, speak with your rheumatologist about whether this new injectable form may be appropriate for you. As always, treatment decisions should be based on your individual health needs, preferences, and treatment goals.