Emerging treatments

Alternative immunotherapy or biologic treatments

In the UK, clofazimine, intravenous immune globulin, lenalidomide, belimumab, or rituximab may be considered as third-line treatments, although these recommendations are not supported by non-UK guidelines.[12]​[15]​[16]Belimumab or rituximab are only recommended for patients with CLE with systemic involvement.[15]​[16] See also the management section of Systemic lupus erythematosus.

Anifrolumab

Anifrolumab is a type 1 interferon receptor antagonist. Two cases of severe and refractory DLE showed improvement when treated with anifrolumab.[36] However, further evidence is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of this drug in treating DLE.

Litifilimab

Litifilimab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to blood dendritic cell antigen 2 (BDCA2). Treatment with litifilimab was superior to placebo in a phase 2 trial involving patients with CLE.[37]​ However, further evidence is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of this drug in treating DLE.

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