The efficacy and safety of telitacicept for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: a real life observational study

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of telitacicept treatment in a Chinese SLE cohort, with real-life settings. Methods All patients with SLE who were receiving telitacicept treatment at least 4 weeks were included, and were followed up. Patients received subcutaneous injection of telitacicept weekly based on the standard treatment. SLE responder index-4 (SRI-4) was assessed before the first administration and at least 4 weeks after the first administration. Disease flares during the follow-up period were defined as an increase in disease activity and the number or dose of immunosuppressive drugs. Results After 4-45 weeks' administration of telitacicept, 80% (n = 16) reached SRI-4 response. The prednisolone dosage declined from a mean of 30.25 mg/d (95% CI 21.99-38.51) before treatment to 13.25 mg/d (95% CI 9.92-16.58) after treatment. The proportion of patients without receiving an immunosuppressive drug increased from 15% to 43% at the endpoint. 19 cases showed various reduction of IgM after treatment (p < 0.05) and C3 and C4 showed either stable or an upward trend. The 24 h urinary protein median value of the 14 cases (baseline 24 h urinary protein >0.5 g/d) showed significant reduction, and 7 of them turned negative. Adverse events were mild to moderate and controllable. Conclusion Telitacicept is a potential treatment option for patients with SLE, especially in lupus nephritis, with significantly increased SRI-4 response rate and reduced the glucocorticoid and immunosuppressive drugs.