A post hoc analysis including data from six clinical trials has shown that the efficacy and safety of the monoclonal antibody belimumab is consistent among patients aged 65 years and older with systemic lupus erythematosus as compared to overall study populations. The analysis included data from over 8,000 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, with 219 of them being older adults. There were no clinically relevant differences in rates of adverse events, serious adverse events, adverse events of special interest, or deaths in older patients compared to the overall population, and the SLE Responder Index response rate was improved with belimumab vs placebo in older adults, just as it was in the overall population. In concluding their report—published by D’Cruz et al in Lupus Science & Medicine—the investigators wrote, “Given the small number of older adults with systemic lupus erythematosus and complexities associated with their comorbidities, controlled clinical trials in this patient population are not feasible. These analyses suggest belimumab is a treatment option for older adults with systemic lupus erythematosus and provide useful information to inform clinical practice.”
May 25, 2023