NEWS: New treatment for lupus

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New treatment for lupus

Reported by Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A treatment with few side effects helps those who have lupus that does not

affect the kidneys.

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease leading to joint pain, fatigue and

various other symptoms. It often affects major organs such as the kidneys.

While lupus is not curable, there are treatments that can tackle the

symptoms. In a new study, doctors at the Mayo Clinic reveal that the drug

mycophenolate mofetil is helpful for those whose lupus does not involve the

kidneys.

In previous research, it's been shown that this drug is effective in lupus

that does involve the kidneys. The current study, involving a small group,

shows its use can be extended. Around 50 per cent of the group had a good

response. The value of mycophenolate motefil may lie in the fact that it has

far fewer side effects than other drugs that are used for lupus - in this

study, it proved to be very well tolerated.

Source

American College of Rheumatology meeting 17th October 2004