Dapirolizumab pegol
UCB · Biogen
Anti-CD40L antibody
First phase 3 positive, published in The Lancet: less disease activity and fewer flares. Second phase 3 ongoing.
Data: EULAR Jun 2026
Autoimmune · skin, joints, kidneys
Lupus
The immune system attacks the body in flares. It is one of the busiest research areas, with several drugs in final-stage trials and cell therapies being tested.
- Cure
- None yet
- Current treatment
- Hydroxychloroquine, steroids, immunosuppressants and biologics
- Who has it
- About 9 in 10 patients are women
- Updated
8candidates on the board
Phase 3furthest phase
4updates in 2026
What changed
The latest developments, newest first.
ProgressOff-the-shelf CAR-T keeps refractory lupus in remission at 12 months
ImvivaBio reported 12-month phase 1 data for CTA313, a donor-derived CAR-T targeting CD19 and BCMA, in refractory lupus. Seven of eight evaluable patients remained in remission. The groups are small.
ProgressDapirolizumab cuts flares at EULAR
New phase 3 data show fewer flares and sustained control. Results were also published in The Lancet.
ProgressAnifrolumab gets a weekly autoinjector
The FDA approved at-home use instead of the monthly IV infusion.
ProgressLitifilimab works in skin lupus
Phase 2/3 met its goal. It would be the first targeted drug for cutaneous lupus.
Treatments in development
Each column is a step on the road to the pharmacy. Colors show the type of treatment.
- Antibody or biologic (4)
- Oral drug (3)
- Cell, gene or RNA therapy (1)
Phase 3confirmation · 7
Litifilimab
Biogen
Anti-BDCA2 antibody
Positive in skin lupus (AMETHYST). Two phase 3 trials in systemic lupus.
SLE data: Q4 2026
Deucravacitinibe
Bristol Myers Squibb
TYK2 inhibitor
Pill already approved for psoriasis, in two lupus phase 3 trials.
In phase 3
Upadacitinibe
AbbVie
JAK inhibitor
Already used in arthritis. Two phase 3 trials in SLE.
In phase 3
Ianalumabe
Novartis
Anti-BAFF-R antibody
Depletes B cells. Tested in SLE and lupus nephritis.
In phase 3
Cenerimod
Viatris · Idorsia
S1P1 modulator
Keeps immune cells in the lymph nodes. Two phase 3 trials.
In phase 3
Nipocalimabe
Johnson & Johnson
FcRn blocker
Lowers circulating autoantibodies. FDA Fast Track.
Recruiting
Phase 1safety · 1
CAR-T anti-CD19
Kyverna, Cabaletta e outros
Engineered T cells
"Resets" the immune system. Small studies show long drug-free remissions.
Early studies
Left behind
Candidates that looked promising and were stopped. Most treatments tested never reach the market.
Baricitinibe
2022 · Lilly ended the lupus program after a failed phase 3.
Ustequinumabe
2020 · Lupus phase 3 stopped for lack of efficacy.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cure for Lupus?
None yet. Current treatment: Hydroxychloroquine, steroids, immunosuppressants and biologics.
Which Lupus treatments are being tested?
Fasevia tracks 8 candidates: Dapirolizumab pegol (Phase 3); Litifilimab (Phase 3); Deucravacitinibe (Phase 3); Upadacitinibe (Phase 3); Ianalumabe (Phase 3); Cenerimod (Phase 3); Nipocalimabe (Phase 3); CAR-T anti-CD19 (Phase 1).
What is the most advanced Lupus treatment in development?
The furthest along today is Dapirolizumab pegol (UCB · Biogen), in phase 3. First phase 3 positive, published in The Lancet: less disease activity and fewer flares. Second phase 3 ongoing.
When could a new Lupus treatment arrive?
A drug has to complete phase 3 and be reviewed by health agencies such as the FDA or EMA, which usually takes several years. The leading candidate today is in phase 3.