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Genetic Variant Could Dictate Rituximab Response in Lupus

Key clinical point: Genetic polymorphism in the Fc gamma receptor IIIA (FCGR3A) gene with increased affinity for rituximab might determine response to drug in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Major finding: A higher percentage of patients achieved a BILAG major clinical response if they had the FCGR3A-158V allele, compared with the low affinity 158 FF genotype (48% vs. 23%).

Study details: An observational, prospective, single-center, longitudinal cohort study involving 85 SLE patients who were treated with rituximab.

Disclosures: The U.K. National Institute for Health Research funded the study. Dr. Md Yusof had no conflicts of interest to disclose; some coauthors disclosed ties to Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, and AstraZeneca, among other companies.

Citation:

Md Yusof MY et al. Ann Rheum Dis. Jun 2019;78(Suppl 2):1069-70. Abstract SAT0009, doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-eular.6919.