Anifrolumab-fnia

Anifrolumab-fnia, marketed under the brand name Saphnelo, is a monoclonal antibody designed for the treatment of moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. Anifrolumab-fnia specifically targets and binds to the type I interferon receptor, blocking the activity of type I interferons, which are proteins that play a key role in the inflammation and tissue damage associated with SLE.

Medical Uses

Anifrolumab-fnia is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who are receiving standard therapy. The effectiveness of Anifrolumab-fnia in treating SLE has been demonstrated in clinical trials, where it has shown to reduce disease activity and improve symptoms in patients with SLE.

Mechanism of Action

Anifrolumab-fnia works by targeting and inhibiting the type I interferon receptor. Type I interferons, including interferon-alpha and interferon-beta, are cytokines that play a crucial role in the immune response. However, in autoimmune diseases like SLE, the overproduction of type I interferons contributes to inflammation and tissue damage. By blocking the action of these interferons, Anifrolumab-fnia helps reduce the inflammatory processes and autoimmunity associated with SLE.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of Anifrolumab-fnia involve its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion processes, which are typical of monoclonal antibodies. Given its large molecular size, Anifrolumab-fnia is administered via intravenous infusion. It has a relatively long half-life, allowing for dosing every 4 weeks.

Adverse Effects

Common adverse effects of Anifrolumab-fnia include upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, infusion-related reactions, and herpes zoster. Patients receiving Anifrolumab-fnia should be monitored for signs of infection and other adverse reactions.

Regulatory Approval

Anifrolumab-fnia was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States in 2021 for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. The approval was based on the results of clinical trials that demonstrated its efficacy and safety in patients with SLE.

See Also

• Monoclonal antibodies
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Autoimmune diseases
• Interferon