Emerging treatments
Abatacept
This drug blocks T-cell costimulatory signals, thereby reducing activation and proliferation of T cells. It is currently used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. In an open-label study of 20 patients with nonsevere relapsing disease, abatacept was well tolerated and was associated with a high frequency of disease remission and prednisone discontinuation.[67] A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of abatacept is under way.
15-deoxyspergualin
Although the mechanism of action of this drug is not fully defined, it acts to inhibit B-cell differentiation, T- and pre-B-cell maturation and monocyte/macrophage responses. Small-scale, open-label trials in patients with refractory disease suggest potential efficacy.[68] Side effects include leukopenia and infection.
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