Illuminating lupus: latest pharmacological advancements

28 May 2025

By Dr Nicola Davies

Lupus is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation. It presents in four main forms: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), drug-induced lupus, and neonatal lupus. SLE is the most common, accounting for approximately 70% of cases. Unlike CLE, which affects only the skin, SLE can involve the skin, joints, connective tissue, and internal organs.1

The exact cause remains unknown, but lupus is believed to result from a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, an estimated 1.5 million Americans and at least 5 million people globally live with some form of lupus.2

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