2157 words (source) vs. 423 words (mine) – 5% match

In the Phase 2 LILAC clinical trial, researchers sought to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of litifilimab (BIIB059) for individuals with either systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). Those with SLE took place in the first part (A) of the trial, while those with CLE participated in the second part (B) of the trial. According to a news release from biotechnology company Biogen, Inc., positive data is now available from Part B. 

During Part B, patients received either 50, 150, or 450mg litifilimab – or a placebo – to determine how it assisted with skin manifestations. The investigational therapy was more effective than the placebo in reducing skin manifestations and inhibiting disease progression. In fact, both Parts A and B of the trial met primary endpoints, highlighting the potential ability of litifilimab to fill an unmet need within this community. 

Additionally, litifilimab was shown to be relatively safe and well-tolerated. However, some side effects did occur. These include itchiness, cough, upper respiratory tract infections or the flu, injection-site reactions, headache, common cold, or joint pain. 

Moving forward, Biogen hopes to further evaluate litifilimab in a series of Phase 3 clinical trials. To learn more about the data from the LILAC trial, take a look at the New England Journal of Medicine. 

What is Litifilimab?

Litifilimab was first discovered and developed as BIIB059. A 2020 article published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases explains that litifilimab is:

a humanized monoclonal antibody [which] binds to BDCA2 and inhibits pro-inflammatory mediators production, including type I interferons.

Lupus: An Overview

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the body mistakenly attacks its own tissues and organs. People are born predisposed to lupus and symptom onset may occur due to an outside trigger such as infections, medications, or sunlight. Additional risk factors include being female, being between ages 15-45, having a family history of lupus, and being of African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander descent.

Lupus can affect many organs, such as the skin, kidneys, lungs, heart, brain, and joints. Because of this, lupus can cause many different symptoms and affects people differently. Some individuals may experience constant symptoms; others may just have “episodes” of symptoms. These symptoms can include: 

• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Fever
• Butterfly-shaped rash in the center of the face
• Skin lesions which worsen with sun exposure
• Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Dry eyes
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Headaches
• Increased risk of infections, cancer, and pregnancy complications

Learn more about cutaneous lupus here.