Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex immune disorder in which loss of tolerance to nucleic acid antigens and other crossreactive antigens is associated with the development of pathogenic autoantibodies that damage target organs, including the skin, joints, brain and kidney. Although the management of SLE has improved thanks to a better understanding of the immunopathogenesis of the disease and important advances in drug development, conventional therapy such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and anti-malarials may be used for milder cases. Immunosuppressants (e.g. methotrexate and azathioprine) are used preventively to reduce incidence of flares, and lower the need for steroid use. In more severe cases, primarily corticosteroids and immunosuppressants are used to control the disease and prevent recurrence of symptoms. New drugs based on modulation of the immune system are currently being developed for the treatment of SLE. Many of these new therapies do not globally suppress the immune system but target specific activation pathways relevant to SLE pathogenesis. At present, at least six mainly antibody-based new treatments are in pivotal clinical evaluation and many other in earlier stages of clinical development.

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