During this segment, the panelists conclude that although treatment guidelines are now being developed to help practitioners consider therapy options for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), there are still factors that need to be addressed.
Michelle Petri, MD, MPH, explains that there are now 3 clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of lupus, whereas in the past there were none. The American College of Rheumatology, Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics, and European League Against Rheumatism guidelines exhibit consistencies about how to treat patients with lupus.
However, Dr Petri explains that the guidelines need to address how to treat patients who fail suggested induction therapies. Dr Petri believes that flexibility is key due to the need to individualize therapy for patients in instances of poor outcomes.
Dr Petri feels that our country is still in the “dark ages” in regard to addressing the needs of patients with SLE. She explains that because SLE is a rare disease, there is still no FDA-approved gold standard for treating the disease.
Agreeing with Dr Petri, Maria Lopes, MD, MS, believes that there is a need for personalized therapy, which requires an in-depth, collaborative discussion about how to treat a patient as an individual before beginning therapy.
Semaglutide Linked to Cardiovascular Gains, but Also Higher Health Spending
August 8th 2025A real-world study found that semaglutide prescriptions were associated with improvements in weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol, but also a $80 monthly rise in health care spending outside of drug costs.
Read More