Rontalizumab was an effective treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus patients with low interferon signature matrix scores, according to Dr. Kenneth Kalunian of the University of California, San Diego, and his associates.
The exploratory subgroup of ISM-low patients on rontalizumab had higher SLE response index rates and lower steroid use than those on the placebo. These patients also had a reduced SLE Disease Activity Index flare rates, with a hazard ratio of 0.61. Adverse side effects were similar in the placebo and rontalizumab groups.
In the main portion of the 238-patient study, no difference in response rates between the rontalizumab and placebo groups in ISM-high patients was found, the investigators reported. Rontalizumab is a humanized IgG1 anti-interferon alpha (anti-IFN-alpha) monoclonal antibody.
Find the full study in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-206090).