AstraZeneca has announced the commencement of recruitment for two new Phase III clinical trials, LAVENDER and JASMINE, evaluating the efficacy and safety of Saphnelo (anifrolumab) in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), respectively. These trials mark a significant step in expanding the therapeutic applications of Saphnelo beyond systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
LAVENDER Trial for Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus
The LAVENDER trial (NCT06015737) is a multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to assess the efficacy and safety of anifrolumab in adult patients with chronic and/or cutaneous lupus erythematosus. The trial aims to enroll approximately 460 adult participants. The primary objective is to evaluate the efficacy of anifrolumab, compared to placebo, in reducing skin disease, a major manifestation of CLE. CLE affects approximately 70 people out of every 100,000 and can significantly impair quality of life, causing disfigurement and impacting mental health.
JASMINE Trial for Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies
The JASMINE trial (NCT06455449) is another multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study focusing on idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). This trial expects to enroll around 240 patients aged 18 to 75 years with polymyositis. The study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous Saphnelo in adult patients with moderate to severe IIM who are receiving standard of care treatment. IIM is a group of rare autoimmune disorders characterized by chronic muscle weakness and inflammation, affecting 1-8 people out of every 100,000. Mortality rates can be as high as 45% in IIM patients, highlighting the urgent need for effective therapies.
Saphnelo: Targeting Type I Interferon
Saphnelo (anifrolumab) is a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets subunit 1 of the type I interferon (IFN) receptor, effectively blocking type I IFN activity. Type I IFNs, including IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, and IFN-kappa, are cytokines that play a crucial role in regulating inflammatory pathways implicated in various immune-driven diseases. Both CLE and IIM are characterized by increased type I IFN signaling, making Saphnelo a potentially valuable treatment option.
Addressing Unmet Needs
Currently, treatment options for CLE and IIM are limited. Corticosteroids are a mainstay of IIM treatment but are associated with significant side effects. There is a substantial unmet medical need for novel treatments with disease-specific mechanisms of action. By targeting the type I IFN pathway, Saphnelo offers a targeted approach to managing these complex autoimmune conditions.
AstraZeneca's ongoing research and understanding of the association between elevated IFN-1 signaling and immune-mediated conditions are guiding the investigation of anifrolumab in conditions such as systemic sclerosis and IIM, where increased type I IFN signaling is observed.
